Colette Renton prosecutes tower block fire safety case

Colette Renton prosecutes tower block fire safety case

Colette Renton, instructed by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service prosecuted the leaseholder and ‘responsible person’ Treasure HK Ltd. and the Managing Agents Affitto Ltd. With their director Manjeet Hayre under s.5(3) of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order 2005.

All held duties under the Fire Safety Order in respect of “Federal Towers” at Allied Place in Leicester, an eight story concrete tower block built in the 1960s.

The 16 count indictment and 6 matters committed for sentence covered a 4 year period, relating to issues including compartmentation, risk assessment, fire fighting equipment (such as dry riser and fireman’s lift), co-operation with others and breach of enforcement notice. The Prosecution were assisted by expert evidence from Colin Todd.

Following the refusal of an application to dismiss and negotiation between parties, guilty pleas were entered by all Defendants. The two day sentence resulted in the Leaseholder company being fined £53 000 and the Managing Agents £64 000. Both were classed as micro companies. The Director received a conditional discharge for 2 years.

In passing sentence HHJ Spencer KC stated that there was a likelihood of death resulting in the event of fire breaking out and noted there had been in the region of 58 fire service calls outs in the indictment period.

Colette Renton accepts instructions in fire safety matters for all parties, please contact regulatoryclerks@deanscourt.co.uk