The owner of an HMO in Southampton has pleaded guilty to a series of fire safety offences and has been fined a total of £7,600.
Joseph Dorrington appeared at West Hampshire Magistrates Court on 23 February to plead guilty to seven offences under the fire safety (regulatory reform) order.
A fire broke out in the property in March 2011, where officers had to lead residents from the burning building. An inspection after the blaze revealed serious fire safety issues including the failure of the fire alarm, blocked fire exits, poorly maintained fire doors and damaged electrical sockets.
Dorrington was also fined for failing to provide information to the fire authority when requested.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service area manger Mick Crennel said, “Houses in Multiple Occupation are homes, frequently, to some of our communities more vulnerable members. Landlords have a duty to ensure the safety of tenants in their homes.
“We will continue to work with our partner agencies and landlords to protect our communities and take necessary steps to ensure their continued safety, however, as a last resort, we will continue to take robust action through the legal system against those landlords that do not take their responsibilities seriously.”
