THE firm behind the famous Di Maggio's restaurant chain has been fined £30,000 after a manager was served a deadly chemical with his lunch.

Michael Prior, 40, ordered sparkling water with his food at the upmarket restaurant L'Ariosto on May 17, 2008, but was accidentally given beer line cleaner, a highly corrosive chemical which had been carried in water bottles from another restaurant.

It caused him serious internal burns and he had to be rushed to hospital where he ended up in intensive care and was ventilated for five days. He later had to have his oesophagus removed.

Windows Catering Company, which also owns Di Maggios and Amarone, pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to breaching health and safety legislation between April 30 and May 17, 2008.

The firm admitted failing to assess risks relating to beer line cleaner, failing to ensure safe use and storage of it and failing to provide a safe system of work at the restaurant on Mitchell Street, Glasgow.

Sheriff Alan Miller said it was "fortunate" no one else was injured and said the company had taken "prompt action".

Tony Conetta, co-owner of Windows Catering Ltd, said: "It's been six long years for everyone concerned, especially Michael, and we're all glad the case is finally over.

"Michael worked closely with us for 17 years and everyone here has enormous sympathy for him after what he went through.

"We've never had any other incidents like this in the 31 years we've been in business."

Mr Prior said: "It was a really unfortunate combination of circumstances and I'm glad everyone can now draw a line under it."