Landlord sentenced for fire safety breaches

Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) has welcomed the sentencing of a Bristol businessman for failing to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

 

 

Wayne Braund, who is the responsible person for the Strahan and Henshaw building in Speedwell, pleaded guilty to six of the seven charges brought against him following a significant fire in the tower block on 31 December 2018.

 

Following successful prosecution earlier this year, the case was referred to the Crown Court for sentencing.

 

On 8 July 2021, the prosecution of Wayne Braund concluded in Bristol Crown Court. Mr Braund was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for 18 months, fined £25,000 and has been ordered to pay AF&RS £25,000 in costs.

 

Head of Fire Safety, Station Manager Karl Venn, said: “Following Braunds’ prosecution earlier this year, I am pleased to see the Crown Courts decision today. The sentencing is testament to two years hard work from our Business Fire Safety Team.

 

“I would like to remind business owners that we take breaches of fire safety very seriously, as do the Criminal Justice System, as the sentencing of this case has shown.

 

“If you are a business owner, responsible person or manager, you must take fire safety risk assessments seriously and ensure you have taken the steps to make sure that people living, working or using your premises are doing so safely.

 

“We will always endeavour to assist in coaching to compliance with regard to fire safety matters. Advice and guidance on how to keep your premises safe can be found on our website and I would urge all business owners to revisit the advice on a regular basis to ensure you are taking the right steps to keep your premises safe.”

 

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to all non-domestic properties in England and Wales. A responsible person must carry our a fire risk assessment and implement and maintain a fire management plan.

 

AF&RS work closely with businesses to ensure they comply with the regulations and staff are available to offer practical advice and assistance in this area.

 

For more information on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and keeping premises safe from the fire visit: www.avonfire.gov.uk/business-safety