Care Home Owner Sentenced For Fire Safety Breaches

A man has been sentenced for breaching several fire safety regulations at a care home in Bilborough, Nottingham.

Revive Health Care Ltd is the operator of St Martin’s Care Home on St Martin’s Road, and former company director, Ashwin Nepal, pleaded guilty to multiple offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Yesterday (Thursday 27 February), Mr Nepal, 41, was given 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. The company was ordered to pay a fine of £120,000 and both the company and Mr Nepal will pay prosecution costs totalling over £20,000.

During the sentencing, Judge Auty said: “When at full capacity, St Martin’s care home can cater for 21 residents, most of which are at an age with various vulnerabilities, and most at risk. If a fire had started, the prospects of residents leaving safely was unfortunately minimal.

“The presented risk of innocent lives was not only extreme, but unnecessary - this was a tragedy waiting to happen.

“I am deeply grateful of the fire service for keeping on the ball with this case.”

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.

Fire Protection Station Manager, Tom Clark, said: “It is 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 specifically in relation to a care home setting involving vulnerable residents.

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

“Today Mr Nepal and Revive Healthcare Ltd have been sentenced appropriately after failing to comply with fire safety regulations, putting the lives of vulnerable residents and the staff at risk.

“The risks posed by these inadequate fire safety provisions are not just a matter of regulatory compliance, but a matter of life and death. Furthermore, it is our duty to support those businesses that do take fire safety seriously, by holding those that don’t to task.

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