Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service reminds businesses of the importance of fire safety following a successful prosecution of a Telford business.
On 14th May 2025, a successful prosecution was concluded brought by SFRS against Mr. Rajinder Singh Pandher and Mr. Girish Bhagwat, director of the company owner and manager respectively, of what was the Eden Complex.
This followed non-compliance with a formal Prohibition Notice which was issued on 21st May 2018, and prohibited the use of the premises for sleeping.
Following a fire safety inspection on the 26th March 2021, officers found Bhagwat sleeping within the ground floor of the snooker hall at the Eden Complex along with other concerning fire safety breaches.
Mr Pandher and Mr Bhagwat first appeared before Kidderminster Magistrates Court on the 6th January 2025, where Mr. Pandher and Mr. Bhagwat pleaded guilty to a total of 12 charges, all relating to breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Bhagwat was sentenced that day to a fine totalling £140 and was ordered to pay a contribution towards the prosecution costs of £400 and Victim Surcharge of £40.
Sentencing for Pandher, who was the Responsible Person under the Fire Safety Order, was adjourned to the 14th May as he claimed he had not known that Bhagwat had been sleeping at the premises in breach of the Prohibition Notice whereby the court also imposed a fine of £500 and ordered that he pay a contribution of £1500 towards the prosecution costs and Victim Surcharge of £50.
This is a successful outcome resulting in 2 criminal convictions against those responsible who do not adhere to fire safety legislation.
Pat Johnson, Senior Fire Engineer for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said “Although we seek to work closely with business owners to maintain general fire precautions, this prosecution reinforces that if Shropshire’s communities are put at risk of death or serious injury, we won’t hesitate to take action. As Fire Inspecting Officers, our ultimate commitment is to safeguarding the lives and property of the people of Shropshire.”
