A landlord and property company have been prosecuted after serious fire safety failings were discovered at two occupied residential buildings in Lancashire.
At Preston Crown Court, Jamie Carter and JC Land Investments Limited were sentenced following convictions for multiple breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire safety officers identified numerous deficiencies, including obstructed escape routes, damaged fire doors, missing fire-resisting glazing, inadequate fire detection measures and fire alarm systems that were either switched off or without power. These failings had the potential to prevent residents from escaping safely in the event of a fire.
The investigation related to Belgrave Chapel, Darwen, and Victoria Hall, Bacup, where enforcement and prohibition notices had been issued after inspections uncovered significant fire safety concerns. Both premises were occupied at the time.
Mr Carter pleaded guilty to 11 offences and received a 12‑month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, together with a fine of £8,652. JC Land Investments Limited pleaded guilty to nine offences and was fined £200,000. The defendants were also ordered to pay more than £37,000 in prosecution costs.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said the case should serve as a reminder that those responsible for residential buildings have a legal duty to protect occupants and ensure fire safety measures are properly maintained.
Key message: Fire safety is not optional. Effective fire risk assessments, maintained fire doors, clear escape routes and reliable fire detection systems save lives. ⚠️🔥🏢
Source: Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, October 2026.
