Three prosecutions over fire safety breaches
BBCTwo companies and a woman have been prosecuted over fire safety breaches described as "a disaster waiting to happen".
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service investigated and prosecuted Qudhrat CIC, New Enterprise Ltd and Mariam Khan.
They inspected premises at 4-12 Coventry Street in Nuneaton in May 2021 and found a number of serious safety failings which they said put people at risk of death or serious injury in the event of a fire.
These included breaches of general fire precautions and failures in effective planning and emergency procedures, such as the absence of a person in charge of fire safety and obsolete or empty fire extinguishers.
The defendants pleaded guilty to a total of 13 offences, with seven counts against Khan ordered to lie on file.
At Warwick Crown Court on 12 February, Khan was given a 10-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to undertake 25 days of rehabilitation activity as well as 50 hours of unpaid work.
Qudhrat CIC received a fine of £120,000 and was ordered to pay costs of more than £15,000 while New Enterprise Ltd was handed a £55,000 fine and ordered to pay costs of more than £11,400.
"I commend the hard work and dedication of our staff in fulfilling our regulatory duties to protect the people of Warwickshire," said chief fire officer Ben Brook.
"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."
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