Two property managers have been sentenced after serious fire safety failings were discovered at a mixed-use building in Windsor.
📍 What happened
An investigation by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service uncovered significant safety breaches at a property above a restaurant on St Leonards Road, Windsor. [rbfrs.co.uk]
The issues were found across both the commercial and residential parts of the building, raising concerns about occupant safety in the event of a fire. [fsmatters.com]
⚠️ Key fire safety failings
Inspectors identified multiple serious deficiencies, including:
- No suitable fire detection and warning system
- Inadequate emergency lighting
- Unsafe or insufficient fire doors that would compromise escape routes
- Failure to meet minimum fire, electrical and gas safety standards [rbfrs.co.uk], [fsmatters.com]
These failures were deemed serious enough to potentially put lives at risk in an emergency. [thefpa.co.uk]
👨⚖️ Sentencing
At Reading Crown Court on 22 May 2026:
- Vi Ciong Tang and Ming Zhou
- Each received a 14-week suspended prison sentence
- Pleaded guilty to eight offences under fire safety law
- Ordered to pay fines and costs totalling over £9,200 combined [rbfrs.co.uk], [fia.uk.com]
🗣️ Official response
Fire safety enforcement officers stressed that action will always be taken where standards fall short, with a clear message:
Fire safety is not optional, and those responsible must meet their legal duties. [rbfrs.co.uk]
🔑 Key takeaway
This case highlights that:
- Property managers can face criminal prosecution for fire safety failures
- Missing basic protections (alarms, lighting, fire doors) can have serious consequences
- Compliance with fire safety law is essential to protect lives
