Owner of the Schooner Hotel in Alnmouth admits breaches of fire safety legislation

Mohammed Maten Rohman, 50, owner of the Schooner Hotel in Alnmouth, pleaded guilty to nine charges at Newcastle Crown Court in relation to breaches of fire safety legislation.

The offences related to significant fire safety deficiencies identified during a routine fire safety audit in June 2021. The deficiencies posed a risk of death or serious injury in the event of fire.

He also pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to comply with the requirements of an Enforcement Notice, intended to make the hotel safe, that was served following the initial audit in June 2021.

Following the guilty plea, the case has been adjourned for financial statements to be produced prior to the sentencing hearing on July 17 at Newcastle Crown Court. The offences are punishable by a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment.

Richard Leighton, group manager of the fire safety department with Northumberland Fire and Rescue Services, said: “The safety of our communities in Northumberland is our priority and we will always work with those responsible for fire safety within premises where fire safety legislation applies to ensure people are safe from the risk of fire.”

Further information and advice on fire safety is available at www.northumberlandfireandrescue.gov.uk or by contacting the fire service directly on 01670 621111.