A company director and a fire risk assessor have been sentenced after serious fire safety failures put residents of a high-rise building in Plymouth at risk.
📍 What happened
The case centres on Latitude 52, an apartment block in Albert Road, Devonport. Fire inspectors uncovered major safety issues during a 2021 inspection, carried out as part of post-Grenfell national checks on high-rise buildings. [dsfire.gov.uk], [fia.uk.com]
Investigators found a number of dangerous defects, including:
- Removal of critical smoke control fans
- Unauthorised building works to create a flat
- Poor fire-resistant construction that increased the risk of fire spread
- Lack of proper maintenance of safety systems [dsfire.gov.uk], [thefpa.co.uk]
The removed smoke control system was designed to clear smoke in the event of a fire and help residents escape safely. Its removal significantly increased the potential risk of death or serious injury. [fia.uk.com]
👨⚖️ Sentencing
At Plymouth Crown Court on 22 June 2026, following a four-year investigation:
- Stephen Phillips (director)
- Given an 18-month community order
- Ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work
- Required to pay tens of thousands in costs [thefpa.co.uk]
- Charles Morgan (fire risk assessor)
- Given a 12-month community order
- Ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work
- Also required to pay substantial costs [thefpa.co.uk]
- The management company was fined £12,000 [dsfire.gov.uk]
⚠️ Why this case matters
The court heard the removal of fire safety systems was a “reckless act” driven by profit, putting residents at serious risk. [thefpa.co.uk]
Importantly, this case highlights that:
- Directors can be personally prosecuted for fire safety breaches
- Fire risk assessors can also face criminal penalties if their work is inadequate
- Fire safety compliance is not optional—especially in high-rise housing
🔑 Key takeaway
This case sends a clear message:
Failing to properly manage fire safety—or approving unsafe changes—can lead to serious legal consequences, not just for building owners but also for professional advisers.
