Mohammed Munir, who runs Trent Valley Trading in Wigman Road, Bilborough, was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court to 26 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, and pay a fine of £4,000 in costs.
Sentencing Munir, who pleaded guilty to six separate charges, the judge said that he had put the needs of the business over employee safety.
The court found he had failed to ensure there was an effective means of escape from the site in the event of a fire, and that exits were well illuminated and easily accessible.
Fire officers visited the company and issued an enforcement notice urging the company to change its fire regulations.
But the fire service today 1/5 said Munir – who was Lord Mayor of the city for two years from 2006 to 2008 – was prosecuted “when it became apparent that he had ignored the deadline and continued to trade without ensuring his premises were safe”.
Now Notts Fire and Rescue Service wants to remind all business owners and occupiers of buildings of their legal responsibility to protect staff and customers against the risk of fire otherwise action will be taken.
Neil Williamson, fire protection station manager, said: “We are here to advise and give support to local businesses and are always willing to help make sure they comply with fire safety legislation.
“However, the public should continue to be reassured that we take any breaches of Fire Safety very seriously and will use legal sanctions where necessary.
“In this case, my officers had previously spent some time ensuring that the occupier was aware of his responsibilities and duties to ensure the safety of employees and it is disappointing that he chose to place people at risk from fire. The absence of a Fire Risk Assessment is a particularly bad aspect of this case, especially after numerous reminders.”
Help regarding Fire Safety in non-domestic premises is available from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Fire Safety advice line on 0115 957 5231 or email fireprotection@notts-fire.gov.uk.
