Hotel where boy electrocuted fined £120k

The owners of a hotel where a 10-year-old boy suffered a fatal electric shock have been fined £120,000 over health and safety offences.

Jack Piper-Sheach died in hospital after the incident in the reception area of Tiffany's Hotel in Blackpool on 3 September 2023.

Blackpool Council successfully brought charges against the hotel's owners, Y7 Hotels Ltd, who admitted two offences contrary to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 on 15 April.

None of the charges related to the death of the child, who was visiting Blackpool from Lincolnshire with his family.

Jack, who was from Grimsby, died in hospital four days after the electric shock.

Lancashire Police's investigation found no criminal case to answer relating to his death.

Blackpool Council said its inspectors found that while the company behind the hotel had undertaken electrical inspections as required by law, essential remedial works to correct dangerous electrical installations were not undertaken by a competent, qualified electrician, nor were any works documented or certified.

An electrical installation condition report (EICR) from 2020 had documented issues of concern that posed a danger to guests and employees of the hotel.

The council said that inspectors could see that remedial works had been undertaken for one of the urgent dangers, but no documents or certificates could be produced to clarify when or by whom the works were completed.

Following that stage of the council's investigation, the director of Tiffany Hotel agreed to voluntarily cease trading.

The Health and Safety Executive later concluded that the electrical installation was not maintained in a satisfactory condition, putting employees and guests at risk of fatal injuries, the council said.

An Improvement Notice was served and in November 2023, a satisfactory EICR was provided.

Council officers carried out a follow-up inspection to ensure specified works had been undertaken and the hotel was later permitted to reopen.

Councillor Dave Flanagan said: "This is a tragic case and throughout our investigation our thoughts have always been, and continue be with, the family, friends and loved ones of Jack Piper-Sheach."

At Preston Crown Court, Y7 Hotels Ltd admitted two charges of a breach of general duty of an employer towards employees.

Along with the £120,000 fine, the firm was also ordered to pay £24,000 costs to Blackpool Council.

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