Property company and director prosecuted by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

Sexton and 10 Park Crescent Management (Worthing) Limited were deemed responsible for the fire safety management of 10 Park Crescent, a converted block of flats located in Worthing, West Sussex.

Brighton Magistrates’ Court heard that Sexton had failed to respond to requests made by the Fire and Rescue Service for information following an audit and inspection process during which fire safety issues had been identified.

The fire safety issues included:

*no evidence of a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment being provided when requested

*lack of testing and maintenance of key fire safety systems, including fire alarms and emergency lighting

*an electrical cupboard located on the primary means of escape that was neither enclosed in fire-resistant material nor securely closed

*failure to provide essential fire safety information to residents of the building

Guilty plea

Sexton previously pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to respond to an Article 27 request for information under the Fire Safety Order at Crawley Magistrates’ Court before being sentenced on by magistrates sitting in Brighton. The combined penalty reflects the court’s acknowledgment of the seriousness of the breaches and the potential risk posed 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.”

Bray continued: “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.”

In conclusion, Bray noted: “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.”