CAFE owner Muriel Morris poisoned almost 50 cops with her sandwiches, a court heard yesterday.
Some officers could have DIED had they not been fit in the first place.
Others feared for their lives, and many were left mentally scarred after eating the dodgy chicken and tuna sarnies. The West Mids force ordered more than 100 butties from Morris, 70, for teams policing conflicting English Defence League and anti-fascist demos in July 2009.
But 47 officers suffered severe poisoning after eating the snacks, which were laden with the staphylococcus aureus bug. Some passed out and required oxygen as they were taken to hospital. In a statement, one officer said, “I thought my life was coming to an end.”
A Birmingham City Council investigation uncovered “filthy” conditions at Morris’ Meal Machine cafe in Nechells.
Mouse droppings were found yards from where the police order was prepared. Forensic swabs confirmed the bacteria’s presence. Morris, of Great Barr, admitted four food hygiene charges at the city’s JPs court.
It heard she has since sold the business. Richard Tyrrell, defending, said: “She apologises unreservedly. She is totally distraught.” Morris was given a four-month suspended sentence, tagged and given a curfew.
By John Jackson
