Sexton and the company were responsible for fire safety management at 10 Park Crescent, a converted block of flats in Worthing, West Sussex. Brighton Magistrates’ Court heard that Sexton failed to respond to requests for information following an audit and inspection that identified multiple fire safety issues.

These included:

• No evidence of a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment when requested
• Lack of testing and maintenance of key fire safety systems, including fire alarms and emergency lighting
• An electrical cupboard on the primary escape route that was neither fire-resistant nor securely closed
• Failure to provide essential fire safety information to residents

Sexton had previously pleaded guilty at Crawley Magistrates’ Court to failing to respond to an Article 27 request for information under the Fire Safety Order before being sentenced in Brighton. The court’s penalty reflected the seriousness of the breaches and the potential risks to residents.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s interim assistant chief fire officer Dave Bray said: “Fire safety regulations are in place for a reason and businesses with legal responsibility for fire safety management must adhere to these laws.”

He added: “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this case and believe it serves as a strong reminder to any ‘Responsible Persons’ that they must carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the risks in their premises.”

Bray concluded: “The courts have agreed that we were prevented from ensuring the fire safety standards in this residential building are being managed effectively. We will not allow companies to attempt to hide from their duties when our fire safety inspectors identify non-compliance with the Fire Safety Order.”

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