Two companies and one individual have been successfully prosecuted by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service following significant fire safety failings that placed occupants at serious risk of death or injury in the event of a fire.

Following a detailed and long-running investigation, Qudhrat CIC, Mariam Khan and New Enterprise Limited were convicted of offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The prosecution followed a multi-agency inspection of premises at 4–12 Coventry Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire (CV11 5SZ) on 13 May 2021. Inspecting officers identified several serious fire safety deficiencies during the visit.

Subsequent investigations determined that these failings constituted breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The defendants pleaded guilty to a total of 13 offences and were sentenced on 12th February at Warwick Crown Court.

"A fire safety disaster waiting to happen”

During sentencing, Recorder Green KC described the situation as “a fire safety disaster waiting to happen”.

The sentences imposed were as follows:

Mariam Khan received a ten-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months. She was also ordered to complete 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and 50 hours of unpaid work.

Qudhrat CIC was fined £120,000 and ordered to pay costs of £15,059.59.

New Enterprise Limited was fined £56,000 and ordered to pay costs of £11,462.09.

This case reinforces the importance of full compliance with fire safety legislation and serves as a clear reminder of the serious consequences of failing to meet statutory responsibilities. Fire and Rescue Services will continue to take robust enforcement action where duty holders place lives at risk through non-compliance.

Clear reminder  

Ben Brook, chief fire officer at the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, commented: “I commend the hard work and dedication of our staff in fulfilling our regulatory duties to protect the people of Warwickshire. I would also like to thank our partner agencies for their support throughout the investigation. I hope this case serves as a clear reminder to all ‘Responsible Persons’ that compliance with fire safety legislation is a legal obligation.”

Councillor Dale Bridgewater, portfolio holder for Fire and Rescue and community safety at Warwickshire County Council, observed: “This case demonstrates Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service’s commitment to holding individuals and organisations accountable when they fail to comply with fire safety legislation and endanger lives.”

Bridgewater concluded: “The efforts from all of the involved agencies demonstrate our commitment to keeping Warwickshire safe.”

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