Petrol station fined £100,000 after people found sleeping inside garage

17 February 2023 , 04:13

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Satheeswaran Sachchithananthamoorthy, from Bristol, was fined at Exeter Magistrates' Court

A petrol station operator has been fined more than £100,000 after people were found illegally sleeping at the garage without fire precautions.

Lanner Garage ST Forecourt, near Redruth, was inspected by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) last year. It was discovered people had been sleeping on the premises without necessary safety standards in place.

The company operating the petrol station pleaded guilty to five offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It was fined £100,000, which was reduced from £150,00 due to an early plea accepting responsibility.

Director of the company Satheeswaran Sachchithananthamoorthy, from Bristol, was also ordered to pay £3,800 and £4,038 in costs at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on February 8.

The offences related to failures in the fire safety standards identified by officers of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) following a fire safety inspection at the property in October 2022.

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A Cornwall petrol station was found to have people illegally sleeping on its premises (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

These included not having suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, the fire detection and warning system fell short of the standard expected in premises providing sleeping accommodation, and the escape routes serving the sleeping accommodation were not adequately protected.

The fire exit serving the sleeping accommodation was also obstructed and the emergency lighting fell short of the standard expected in premises providing sleeping accommodation.

The subsequent investigation by CFRS revealed that the company had failed to review the fire safety provisions at the premises, and it was served a restriction notice.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, the portfolio holder responsible for CFRS at Cornwall Council, said: “I’d like to thank the team who have worked hard to bring this prosecution. When people put others’ lives at risk, we will not hesitate to take action and prosecute where necessary,” reported CornwallLive.

Antony Bartlett, assistant chief fire officer at CFRS, said: “I urge all businesses to ensure they comply with fire regulations. These measures are in place to protect people and can ultimately save lives.”

CFRS is reminding business owners in Cornwall that they are required to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Businesses must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and ensure that all fire safety provisions are adequate and regularly maintained.

Lisa Letcher