German butchers sold fake kosher meat 'for years'

One of the affected customers has said he now feels “plagued by sin” after eating the non-kosher produce.

Akiwa told the court that he created the scheme to avoid bankruptcy, saying: “I didn’t see any other way out.”

Leslie said he was “shocked and wanted to give everything up” when he discovered what his partner was doing, but was too afraid of losing his reputation to tell the authorities.

“I deeply regret my behaviour,” Leslie said.

Akiwa also apologised for the crime, saying: “I want to ask the forgiveness of everyone whose religious sensibilities were wounded.”

However, the partners said that their sausages - at least - were always kosher.

A verdict is expected next month.