Reading landlord slapped with massive £177k fire safety fine
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06 September 2018
A landlord who put tenants’ lives at serious risk in the event of fire in Reading has been handed a massive fine totalling over £175,0000.
Crestcourt Properties Ltd was fined a total of £177,000 by Reading Magistrates on 24 August, where Mr Brotherton, the company owner, pleaded guilty to four charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Officers from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service found a number of serious issues when they entered a property in Reading, occupied as a house of multiple occupation.
The inspection highlighted a number of failings including fire alarms not working, a lack of sufficient fire doors and an external escape route in a poor state of repair.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Simon Jefferies, commented: “Our priority is to ensure the safety of the people of Berkshire. We will always work with landlords to maintain fire safety standards in premises and prosecution is the last resort.
“However, we hope that the significant level of this fine will send a clear message to all property owners that they have a duty to keep our communities safe and if they put anyone at risk by breaking the law, we won’t hesitate to prosecute.”
Original source
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue