Property management company Boaden Hindmarsh Ltd has been fined more than £7,800 for breaching the Fire Safety Order.
Director Michael Boaden pleaded guilty to four charges on behalf of the Jesmond-based company at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on 14 February.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service brought the charges after the company failed to correct a number of deficiencies highlighted following an inspection of High Bridge House, High Bridge, which is managed by Boaden Hindmarsh, in November 2008. A prohibition notice was issued immediately.
However, follow up inspection by the service in May 2009 found the safety breaches had not been dealt with and prosecution proceedings were instigated.
The charges related to an inappropriate and defective fire alarm system, a lack of emergency lighting on escape routes and inadequately maintained fire doors.
The firm was fined a total of £6,400 and ordered to pay £1,410 costs.
Area manager at the fire service, John Baines, said: “Our enforcement programme is proportionate to the risk involved, and in this case there was real risk of serious injury or death for people using these premises.”
