Nottingham care home operator sentenced for fire safety breaches

On 27 February, Nepal (aged 41) was handed a suspended sentence of nine months in addition to 150 hours of unpaid work, which is to be completed within 12 months of the sentencing.

Revive Health Care Ltd was ordered to pay a fine of £120,000 and both the company and Nepal will pay prosecution costs totalling over £20,000.

During the sentencing process, Judge Auty said: “When at full capacity, St Martin’s Care Home can cater for 21 residents, most of whom are at an age where they have various vulnerabilities and are most at risk. If a fire had started, the prospect of residents leaving the premises safely was, unfortunately, minimal. The presented risk of innocent lives was not only extreme, but unnecessary. This was a tragedy waiting to happen.”

Judge Auty added: “I am deeply grateful to the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for remaining ‘on the ball’ with this case.”

Detail of the breaches

The breaches included the failure to act upon recommendations from the fire risk assessment, an inadequate fire alarm system and insufficient escape routes with an inappropriate evacuation policy for staff and residents.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s station manager Tom Clark, who holds responsibility for fire protection, said: “It’s vitally important to remember that the safety of the community, workers and people who visit Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is safeguarded. This is of increased importance in relation to a care home setting involving vulnerable residents.”

Clark added: “We are grateful that Nottingham’s Crown Court has recognised the significance of this case and demonstrated that fire safety compliance is non-negotiable. Those who fail to implement important fire safety measures will be held accountable.”

He continued: “Nepal and Revive Healthcare Ltd have been sentenced appropriately after failing to comply with fire safety regulations, in turn putting the lives of vulnerable residents and the staff at risk.”

Matter of life or death

Further, Clark noted: “The risks posed by these inadequate fire safety provisions are not just a matter of regulatory compliance, but also a matter of life or death. It’s our duty to support those businesses that do take fire safety seriously by holding those that don’t to account.”

In conclusion, Clark stated: “I would like to take this opportunity to echo the sentiments of His Honour Judge Auty KC by offering my sincere thanks to the officers involved in this case. It was a protracted event that required dedication and a high level of professionalism.”