A TRADER who sold putrid meat from his van to unsuspecting customers has been brought to justice - three years after being caught.

Carl Manning disappeared after being caught by environmental health officers selling rotten meat at a market in Grays, in June 2005.

He was tracked down in Birmingham where he was arrested by cops because of an outstanding bail warrant and appeared before Basildon magistrates.

Environmental health officers Hilary Bright and Tony Sprackling found large quantities of festering meat for sale from the van managed by Manning, of Kings Norton, Birmingham.

The officers described the meat as "odorous" and "putrid". Manning admitted nine counts of selling meat unfit for human consumption.

He was fined £400 for the original offences, a further £100 for failing to surrender to custody and ordered to pay £600 costs.

Lucy Magill, head of service for public protection at Thurrock Council, said: "This was a good result for our food team.

"This man had evaded the police and our prosecution for some considerable time.

"I hope this prosecution gives a clear message to unscrupulous traders out there whose actions may put public health at risk - do not trade in Thurrock."