An Ipswich shopkeeper and two of his businesses are facing a string of charges relating to allegedly dangerous psychoactive substances.

Rodney Debenham, director of New Dawn Ltd and Herbal Joy Ltd, in Eagle Street, Ipswich, faces seven accusations relating to New Dawn Ltd and 20 allegations involving Herbal Joy Ltd.

The prosecution follows an investigation by officers from Suffolk Trading Standards department.

The businesses have also been charged with seven and 20 accusations respectively. The charges mirror those facing Debenham.

The 47-year-old is accused of failing to act with due care relating to safety requirements involving substances known as Snow Blind, Meadow Sweet, Euphoria, Highlander, Space Cadet and Bud-a-licious.

It is alleged Debenham should have known or presumed on the basis of information he possessed, or as a professional, that they were dangerous products.

Debenham is also alleged to have been a producer who failed to provide consumers with information involving a risk assessment of products. These included a lack of adequate warnings and the taking of precautions.

In addition Debenham is accused on placing unsafe products on the market.

All the charges relate to dates on or before September 23 and 24 last year.

Debenham made his first appearance on the charges when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court in Ipswich.

The case was sent to the town’s crown court.

A preliminary hearing has been set for November 26.