Lancaster takeaway investigated after reports former paedophile owner is back involved with premises

Siraj Patel, the former owner of Mognies, Lancaster, was ordered to have nothing to do with the business after he was found guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a child under 16 and one count of sexual grooming after a trial at Preston Crown Court.

In December 2016, the 49-year-old, of Dallas Road, Lancaster, was jailed for four years after abusing a 15-year-old girl in his delivery van.

He got a sexual harm prevention order, and is on the sex offenders register for life.

Police and immigration officials later raided Mognies and found three illegal immigrants from India all living above it in one room.

The council later awarded Patel’s wife the licence and the takeaway started trading as Simply Delicious - with a warning her husband could not have any connection with the takeaway.

But Lancashire Police and Lancaster City Council have conducted an investigation into recent reports he is involved with the premises again.

A council spokesperson said: "The council has been made aware of allegations regarding Mr Siraj Patel and his involvement with Simply Delicious.

"We take any breach of licensing conditions extremely seriously and an investigation has been conducted by the council and police.

"The results of this investigation will be considered at a review of the takeaway’s licence, due to take place in the near future.

"The probation service has also been notified."One customer who recently ordered from the takeaway said he had notified the authorities after a man he believed to be Patel delivered the food.

He added: " I remember his face because of a mugshot seen in the press following his conviction."It is clear Mr Patel’s wife isn’t adhering to the rules outlined by the police and city council."

Police previously attempted to revoke the late licence for Mognies takeaway in Lancaster in order to protect children and the public. Licensees must follow the objectives of prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.