Custodial sentence for landlord who broke fire safety...

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has prosecuted a landlord for failing to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which put the lives and safety of tenants at risk. 

The landlord, Mohammed Asif Khan, pleaded guilty to two breaches at a property in Blackpool.

In June 2019, fire safety officers inspected the property and issued a Prohibition Notice on the first floor flat. This was occupied at the time by a tenant of Khan’s. 

The two offences to which the landlord pleaded guilty to were: Failure to take such general fire safety precautions so as to ensure the safety of tenants; and Failure to make a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

The fire service says these breaches posed a serious threat to the life and safety of the occupier and anyone else who may visit the property.

At Preston Crown Court, Khan was sentenced to five months prison to be served concurrently, suspended for 18 months; 300 hours of Community Service; 20 days rehabilitation; a fine of £7,500 for failure to comply with articles of the Fire Safety Order; and he was also ordered to pay £23,120 in costs to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

A spokesperson for the service says: "We hope the custodial sentence in this case sends a clear message that fire safety is paramount. The inadequate fire safety measures and management in this instance could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life, leaving us no choice but to take action.

"Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to working with those who are willing to address fire safety issues, and we will continue to support businesses in complying with the Fire Safety Order.

"We encourage landlords and responsible persons to visit the Business Safety section of our website for advice and guidance on fulfilling their legal fire safety duties."

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