Liverpool City Council is set to initiate legal proceedings against two Britannia Hotels companies following a comprehensive investigation into the tragic death of a young woman at the historic Britannia Adelphi Hotel. The prosecution centres on alleged health and safety violations connected to the incident, which occurred on September 10, 2022.
The Tragic Incident at the Adelphi Hotel
Chloe Haynes, a 21-year-old woman described by her mother as "petite and beautiful," was found deceased under a heavy wooden wardrobe in her room at the Britannia Adelphi Hotel on Ranelagh Street in Liverpool city centre. Ms Haynes had travelled to the city from Hafan y Mor Haven Holiday Park in north Wales, where she was employed, for a night out with a friend.
According to her mother, Nicola Williams, Chloe had been attending an engagement party at the hotel and had consumed alcohol, leading her friend to take her back to the room to rest. "It seems she has got up out of the bed confused, not knowing where she is, and she's opened the door of the wardrobe maybe thinking it is the toilet or the door to go back out of the room," Ms Williams explained. "It was a big, old, heavy wardrobe and it's fallen on her and crushed her windpipe."
Attempted Rescue and Police Investigation
The horrific scene was discovered by Chloe's friend when he returned to the room in the early hours. He immediately raised the alarm, prompting two men from adjacent rooms—later described as "Good Samaritans"—to rush to assist. Together, they lifted the substantial piece of furniture off Ms Haynes and attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but their efforts proved futile.
Merseyside Police launched a murder investigation, arresting three men aged 26, 46, and 49, including the friend and the two rescuers. All were subsequently released without charge after authorities concluded the death was accidental. Wayne Kenny from Bootle, one of the men who attempted to save Chloe, revealed he was stunned to be questioned by police for ten hours, expressing concern about potential wrongful accusations.
Council Investigation and Legal Action
Following the police investigation, Liverpool City Council's Environmental Health department initiated its own inquiry. The council conducted spot checks at the premises on September 22, 2022, issuing prohibition notices to Britannia Hotels regarding wardrobe safety in Chloe's room and window restrictor conditions.
While the company appealed the wardrobe notices, presenting evidence of safety improvements that led the council to withdraw them, Britannia dropped its appeal concerning the window notices, which were affirmed. The council's investigation has now concluded, leading to the decision to prosecute two Britannia Hotels companies for alleged health and safety breaches.
Remembering Chloe Haynes
Nicola Williams shared poignant memories of her daughter, who had a twin brother and was one of five siblings. "She loved animals. She had a little dog called Archie she was obsessed with," Ms Williams recalled. "My little nickname for her was birdy. She was so petite and little and when she ate she was like a little bird. She was quiet, she was somebody who didn't speak unless it needed saying."
Ms Williams emphasised that Chloe was "coming out of her shell" in the year before her death, gaining confidence and building a wide circle of friends. She noted her daughter's kindness and her particular connection with gay men, which was how she met the friend accompanying her to Liverpool.
Legal Proceedings and Hotel Response
Proceedings are scheduled to commence on May 7 at Liverpool Magistrates' Court. A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels stated: "We can confirm that Liverpool City Council has initiated legal proceedings in relation to the Adelphi Hotel and we are fully cooperating with the legal process. Our sympathies remain with the families and loved ones of those involved. As this matter is now before the courts, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time."
The Adelphi Hotel, which featured in an eight-episode BBC documentary called 'Hotel' in 1997, now faces significant legal scrutiny over this tragic incident that has highlighted critical health and safety concerns in hospitality accommodation.
