Bournemouth woman ordered to pay over £23,000 after refusing fire safety inspection
Elizabeth Jean Watson blocked inspectors from entering a Roslin Road property let out to holidaymakers
A woman from Bournemouth has been ordered to pay more than £23,000 after refusing to let fire safety inspectors into a property she was renting out as a holiday let.
Elizabeth Jean Watson was fined £1,100, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £440 and prosecution costs of £21,750.13, after being found guilty at Weymouth Magistrates' Court of failing, without reasonable excuse, to comply with requirements imposed by a fire safety inspector.
The offence is contrary to article 32(2)(e) of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
How the case came about
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) became aware that parts of Watson's premises on Roslin Road, Bournemouth, were being used as a holiday let after a member of the public who had stayed there complained about a number of alleged fire safety failings.
Fire safety inspectors have a legal power to enter a premises where they believe it is necessary to enforce fire safety legislation, and to require anyone responsible for a property to give them assistance and access.
Despite repeated attempts by DWFRS to gain entry to carry out an inspection, Watson refused to cooperate or allow access, according to the fire service.
Sentenced in her absence
Sentencing took place at Weymouth Magistrates' Court on Friday 11th September, after the trial went ahead without Watson, who did not attend.
She had also failed to attend earlier hearings in the case.
Fire service response
Tom Huntley, Fire Safety Prosecution Manager for DWFRS, said the ability to carry out inspections is key to protecting people from fire.
"To ensure the community is protected from the risk of death or serious injury in the event of a fire, it is vital that our inspectors are able to carry out inspections and audits of commercial premises," Tom Huntley said.
"DWFRS will seek to work with the community to mitigate the risks of fire where feasible. For this purpose, we may require entry to properties and the assistance of Responsible Persons, as set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A refusal to provide this can be an offence, as is the case here, and DWFRS will pursue prosecution action through the courts where it is appropriate and in the public interest to do so," he said.
More information on the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is available on the DWFRS website.