Fire safety failings at a Nottingham hotel could have had “catastrophic consequences” in the event of a fire, a court heard.
The offences committed at the Ebers Hotel, in Mansfield Road, Nottingham, resulted in the company being fined a total of £18,000, and for sole director Chate Singh to pay prosecution costs of £12,000 and be subject to a suspended prison sentence.
Singh, 33, of Manthorpe Road, Grantham, was sentenced after previously pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court on to six offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Judge Mark Watson, sentencing on Friday, December 10, described Singh’s conduct as “a wholesale failure to ensure the safety of (their) staff and guests,” which could have had “catastrophic consequences” in the event of a fire.
He went on to say that there is no room for inadequacy of this extent in respect of protecting people from the dangers of fire. He concluded that these were very serious offences and warned Singh that he had only just avoided immediate imprisonment.
Fire Protection Station Manager Tom Clark, of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said afterwards: “It is particularly encouraging that the courts have shown that fire safety within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is taken very seriously, and we welcome the comments made by His Honour Judge Watson when passing sentence.
“Whilst we are saddened that this case has had to brought before the courts, fire safety deficiencies must be taken seriously, and the appropriate action taken when required.
“Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service does and will always seek to work with and support business owners, particularly during the current economic climate.
“However, staff, members of the public and visitors using premises within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire need to feel reassured that they can do so safely.
“Furthermore, business owners who do comply with their fire safety obligations also need to know that those who don’t will be challenged.
“We hope that this sentence sends out a message that we take fire safety matters very seriously, and that we are committed to keeping people safe.”
The charges and sentence for Singh
1. Fail to Comply with requirements imposed by an enforcement notice - 8 months imprisonment, suspended 18 months, and 150 hours unpaid work
2. Fail to Comply with requirement where death/injury in case of fire - 8 months imprisonment concurrently, suspended 18 months
3. Fail to Comply with requirement where death/injury in case of fire - 8 months imprisonment concurrently, suspended for 18 months
4. Fail to Comply with requirement where death/injury in case of fire - 8 months imprisonment concurrently, suspended 18 months
5. Fail to Comply with requirement where death/injury in case of fire - 8 months imprisonment concurrently, suspended 18 months
6. Fail to Comply with requirement where death/injury in case of fire - 8 months imprisonment concurrently, suspended for 18 months
The company's fines
CP NOTTINGHAM LTD
1. Fail to comply with requirement imposed by an enforcement notice - Fine £3,000
2. Fail to comply with requirement imposed by an enforcement notice - Fine £3,000
3. Fail to comply with requirement imposed by an enforcement notice - Fine £3,000
4. Fail to comply with requirement imposed by an enforcement notice - Fine £3,000
5. Fail to comply with requirement imposed by an enforcement notice - Fine £3,000
6. Fail to comply with requirement imposed by an enforcement notice - Fine £3,000
Total £18,000
All money is to be paid within two years.
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