Fire safety failures at Ahlux House lead to prosecution

At Kirklees Magistrates’ Court, Scanlans Property Management LLP pleaded guilty in relation to failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice issued under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The offences included a defective fire alarm system on-site and the continued display of incorrect evacuation signage within the building.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard that, despite long-standing concerns, faults within the fire alarm system remained unresolved, resulting in numerous attendances by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service personnel due to the occurrence of false alarms. It was also established that evacuation notices advising residents to adopt a ‘Stay Put’ strategy remained in place, despite a simultaneous evacuation strategy being required.

In sentencing, District Judge Pitts found culpability to be high and concluded that the failures created a high likelihood of serious harm in the event of a fire.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court highlighted the risks posed to residents and noted that repeated false alarms could lead to complacency and delayed evacuation in an emergency.

The company was fined £153,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £2,000 in addition to prosecution costs of £11,410.15, bringing the total financial penalty to a sum of £166,410.15.

Significant outcome

Chris Kemp KFSM MIFireE MInstLM, senior fire protection manager at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, commented: “This is a significant outcome which demonstrates the importance of complying with fire safety legislation and ensuring that residents are protected from avoidable risks.”

Kemp continued: “Kirklees Magistrates’ Court’s findings reinforce the seriousness of these failings and send a clear message that, where ‘Responsible Persons’ fail to address known fire safety issues, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action.”

Further, Kemp stated: “I would like to recognise the professionalism, determination and commitment shown by our Fire Protection Team members throughout this lengthy and complex investigation led by Group manager John Senior. This was an exceptionally thorough investigation, ensuring that the evidence presented to Kirklees Magistrates’ Court was robust, accurate and compelling.”

In conclusion, Kemp explained: “This successful prosecution reflects the high standards of our Fire Protection Team and our ongoing commitment to keeping the people of West Yorkshire safe.”

Case preparation

Following the hearing, Counsel Cassie Williams praised the investigation and case preparation, describing the result as a “great outcome” and recognising the quality of the evidence and witness statements that supported the prosecution.

The prosecution demonstrates West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s continued commitment to holding duty holders to account where fire safety failures place residents and communities at risk.

*Further information is available online at www.westyorksfire.gov.uk