Estate agent boss fined for ignoring inspectors

An estate agency director has been fined £12,500 for failing to give information to fire safety inspectors.

Gareth Reed, director of Riverstone-Abbey Estate Agents, was prosecuted by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

It explained that his company was fined a further £7,500 at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 12th October.

Reed was also ordered to pay a £2,000 statutory victim surcharge and £2,525.31 in investigation costs, taking the total to £24,525.31.

We hope this prosecution and the penalties imposed by the court serve as a clear reminder that fire safety responsibilities must be taken seriously.”

The prosecution followed a fire at a property in Hughenden Road, Hastings, (main image) on 15th May 2025.

Three people suffered smoke inhalation after becoming trapped inside as smoke filled the common areas and blocked their escape.

The building was managed by Reed and his company at the time.

Inspectors’ findings

Inspectors identified fire safety failings at the building, including an unsecured fire detector in the kitchen and doors without self-closing devices.

Residents had also not been given information about what to do in the event of a fire.

Reed was not prosecuted due to those failings, nor in connection with the injuries.

The charge was failing, without reasonable excuse, to supply documents and information requested during the investigation.

Article 27 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 gives inspectors power to enter premises, request information and require documentation.

Jake Kaye, station manager for legal and enforcement at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, says: “Effective fire safety management is essential to reduce the likelihood of fire and to ensure that, should a fire occur, it can be detected quickly and occupants can escape safely.

“This case also highlights the importance of responding to official correspondence.

“Ignoring a letter or failing to respond to a lawful request for information is not a way to avoid scrutiny; it can lead to further enforcement action and prosecution.

“We hope this prosecution and the penalties imposed by the court serve as a clear reminder that fire safety responsibilities must be taken seriously, and that lawful requests from authorised inspectors must be dealt with promptly.”

The Negotiator has asked East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to pass a request for comment to Mr Reed.

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Author: Gemma