An estate agency director has been fined £12,500 after failing to cooperate with fire safety inspectors investigating a serious blaze that left three residents trapped and suffering smoke inhalation.
Gareth Reed, sole director of Riverstone-Abbey Estate Agents Limited, appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on 12 October. The court fined Reed £12,500 and imposed a £2,000 victim surcharge. His company received a further £7,500 fine. Reed must also pay £2,525.31 towards the fire service's investigation costs. The total financial penalties and costs amount to £24,525.31.
Fire at Hastings property
The prosecution followed a fire at a property in Hughenden Road, Hastings, on 15 May 2025. Reed and his company managed the premises at the time. Three residents suffered smoke inhalation as smoke spread through communal areas and blocked their escape.
Following the blaze, fire safety officers inspected the building and identified several deficiencies. These included a kitchen fire detector that appeared insecure and doors lacking adequate fire resistance or self-closing devices. Inspectors also found no evidence that residents had received instructions about what to do in a fire.
Failure to provide documents
Officers subsequently requested documents and information under Article 27 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The legislation allows authorised inspectors to examine premises, investigate fire safety arrangements and request relevant information. However, the court heard that Reed failed to provide the requested documents and information without reasonable excuse.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS) subsequently prosecuted Reed and his company under the legislation.
Fire service warns managing agents
The fire service has warned landlords and managing agents that ignoring official requests can lead to prosecution. Jake Kaye, station manager for legal and enforcement at ESFRS, said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
George O’Reilly, assistant director of risk reduction at ESFRS, reinforced the warning. “Official correspondence from ESFRS must not be ignored,” he said. “We will always seek to work constructively with businesses and Responsible Persons to help them understand and meet their fire safety responsibilities.”
However, he stressed that businesses must cooperate with inspectors and comply with lawful requests during investigations. The Fire Safety Order requires those responsible for premises to assess risks, maintain safety measures and cooperate with enforcement officers. The case highlights the potential consequences for estate and letting agents who fail to respond to statutory requests.
