Latest Expert Witness News

Charges dropped after expert witness report into fire probe

Fire chiefs who investigated a fatal flat blaze have dropped a prosecution case against a fire alarm maintenance firm. Eric Baker, 91, died the day after a blaze at his flat in Avenham, Lancashire on July 11 2009. The landlord of the property Anthony Towey admitted five offences under a fire safety act, including failing to make a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. He was fined £953 following a Preston Magistrates Court hearing last year. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service also launched a case against Mawtec Systems Ltd, who inspected the fire alarm system.

The firm pleaded not guilty to charges alleging contravention of  the Fire Safety Order, but prosecutors have now informed Preston Crown Court that, following an expert witness report, they would not be offering any evidence in the case.

Mawtec managing director, Craig Southern, had every confidence in Mawtecs’ performance and the clarity of the report by expert witness, Colin Todd. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said they felt justified in bringing the case to the attention of the court in the interests of public safety but, with the benefit of the expert report, it would now be inappropriate to continue with the prosecution.

back