18/01/2011 - First fire alarm worker prosecuted
A court has ordered a former retained fire fighter to pay £11,000 in fine and costs for failing to maintain a fire alarm system at a care home in Trafford.
Trafford Magistrates' Court heard Christopher Morris, 56, plead guilty to two charges of failing to maintain the fire alarm system to a recognised standard, and failing to inform the owners of the care home of the system's deficiencies.
However, the court bench decided it did not have enough powers to deal with the case, which it said involved "culpable neglect" by the defendant.
After being brought before a judge at Manchester Crown Court, the fire alarm engineer was fined £2,500 for each offence and £6,000 in costs.
Morris was prosecuted by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, and is believed to be the first fire alarm engineer brought to court under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, in this instance as a person responsible for the maintenance of fire equipment that requires specialist knowledge or skills to carry out repairs.
Copyright © Press Association 2011
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