Ex-hotelier faces prison after blaze

The former owner of a hotel is facing a possible prison sentence after a court heard of a catalogue of fire safety breaches.

The failings were discovered after a blaze broke out in the back yard of the Ambassador Hotel, in South Parade, Whitley Bay, in May 1999.

North Shields Magistrates heard how rubbish was set alight and, when two guests saw the flames, they attempted to set off a fire alarm, only to discover that it was broken. The glass front of the alarm had been replaced by cardboard.

The guests then grabbed a fire extinguisher, but found it was empty.

The 17-year-old receptionist on duty had no training in fire safety procedures and it was one of the guests who ended up calling the fire brigade, the court heard.

Firefighters later found a jammed fire escape door, heat sensors obstructed by false ceilings, faulty fire extinguishers and broken emergency lighting.

The former owner, Dr Subash Puri, admitted 12 charges relating to safety breaches.

Each offence faces a possible fine of £5,000.

Puri, from Newcastle, was not present in court due to an illness in the family.

Magistrates decided that they did not have sufficient sentencing powers and committed Puri to Newcastle Crown Court, warning that he faced a possible prison sentence.

The hotel was sold to new owners in February and is now called The New Ambassador.

A spokesman for the new owners said: "We want to make it clear that we are absolutely nothing to do with Dr Puri. The New Ambassador hotel has been totally refurbished from top to bottom."

Dave Simpson, deputy divisional commander for Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade's Newcastle and North Tyneside area, welcomed the court's stance.

Simpson said: "There are 183 hotels in Newcastle and North Tyneside and the vast majority are run safely and professionally.

"However, this hotel was cutting corners and ultimately it could have cost lives."

by Nigel Green