An off-licence found with a screw inserted in its electricity meter to steal energy has had its 24-hour licence revoked.

Basharat Ali, owner of Top News, on Colne Road in Aspley, Huddersfield, was said to have been “reckless and stupid” in tampering with the electrical supply, which put himself and others at risk of death and serious injury.

Mr Ali, of Mount Pleasant, Rawtenstall, was not present at the review hearing in Huddersfield Town Hall.

When West Yorkshire Police visited the shop on May 9 this year an officer found the electricity meter had been tampered with.

The illegal modification, described as “not only criminal but highly dangerous”, could have resulted in a fire or explosion.

On a previous visit in January large, dirty chef-type knives were found beneath the counter. They were not for sale and appeared to be there for staff protection.

In the basement of the shop officers discovered alcohol stored in unhygienic conditions as well as a large number of parts from cars.

Police inquiries showed that Mr Ali had previously been the owner of Top News on John William Street in Huddersfield town centre, which had similarly been caught “abstracting” electricity from the shop.

However he sold the business before a licence review could be carried out.

The amount of electricity stolen over a six-month period by bypassing the meter was calculated at £1,000.09 by power supplier Engie.

Pc Richard Woodhead, licensing officer for Kirklees Division, said: “West Yorkshire Police feel that this business is impacting on all four licensing objectives: public safety, prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance and protection of children from harm.

“The owner has complete disregard for staff welfare, customer safety and is willing to participate in criminal activities to further his own gain.”

The shop is in a very densely populated area close to halls of residence for the University of Huddersfield and a pre-school for young children.

In revoking the premises’ alcohol licence Clr Amanda Pinnock, chair of the council’s Licensing Panel, said the decision had been taken in regard to public safety, to children at a nearby pre-school and customers, and for the prevention of crime and disorder.

Speaking after the hearing Pc Woodhead said: “We are extremely satisfied with the decision that the panel has made and thank them for supporting our concerns.

“Any illegal or criminal activities that take place on licensed premises will lead to the revocation of the licence.

“West Yorkshire Police are working with Trading Standards, the local authority and other partner agencies to ensure our licensed premises are safe.”

CAPTION: Top News, Aspley, which has had its alcohol licence revoked. FREE USE TO ALL NEWSWIRE PARTNERS