A landlord and takeaway owner based in Kensington, Liverpool, who failed to adhere to general fire safety precautions to ensure the safety of residents in case of a fire have been prosecuted by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority (MFRA) after not taking adequate measures to reduce the risk of fire.

Adil Osman and Ahmed Osman appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday 18th November.

They had previously pleaded guilty to offences committed under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order (2005) and were sentenced today, for a term of 10 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years to be served concurrently for the offences committed. They were further sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work.

The court heard how as a result of a serious fire at Abe's pizza shop in Kensington, Liverpool, two men were forced to escape via windows from the upper floor accommodation. One man fell from the second floor and sustained serious injuries.

Brian Massie, Station Manager at MFRA who attended the fire and led on the investigation said, “We arrived on scene to face a well-developed fire involving the ground floor pizza shop. Crews gained entry through the roller shutter to suppress the fire.

“Two men trapped inside the building were unable to make their escape to a place of safety while the fire spread smoke and hot gases through the building.

“The lack of smoke detection, suitable means of escape and emergency lighting meant that both occupants were forced to exit the building via windows on upper floors.

“While we attempted to pitch ladders to perform rescues, unfortunately one man fell and sustained very serious injuries.

“During the court hearing the two men accused appeared to be unaware of their fire safety responsibilities. We plan to run a targeted campaign to engage with takeaway business owners, highlighting their responsibilities under the fire safety order and where necessary, take enforcement action.”