The owners of the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool are set to appear in court following the death of a 21-year-old Welsh woman who was crushed by a wardrobe in her room. Liverpool City Council is prosecuting the operators after an investigation into the death of Chloe Haynes from Wrexham.
Ms Haynes died on 10 September 2022 after returning to the hotel from a night out. Her mother, Nicola Williams, told the Liverpool Echo that Chloe had been drinking and her friend took her back to the room to sleep. It is believed she got up, confused, and opened the wardrobe door, thinking it was the toilet or exit. The heavy wardrobe fell on her, crushing her windpipe.
Three men were initially arrested on suspicion of murder but were released without charge after police concluded the death was accidental. The council's environmental health department then investigated and is now bringing proceedings against two Britannia Hotels companies for alleged health and safety breaches. The case is expected to begin at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on 7 May.
A council spokesperson confirmed the proceedings. A Britannia Hotels spokesman said: 'We can confirm that Liverpool City Council has initiated legal proceedings... we are fully cooperating with the legal process. Our sympathies remain with the families and loved ones.'
After Chloe's death, the council issued prohibition notices regarding the safety of wardrobes and windows at the hotel. Britannia appealed the wardrobe notice but later withdrew after making them safe. The window notice was affirmed.
Ms Williams described her daughter as 'petite and beautiful', nicknamed 'Birdy', who loved animals and was gaining confidence before her death.
