The owners of Britannia Hotels are facing 20 charges in court following the death of a woman who was found dead in her wardrobe. Chloe Haynes, a 23-year-old guest at one of the hotels, was discovered unresponsive in her room on 18 January 2022. An investigation by the police and the local authority found that the hotel had failed to meet safety standards, leading to the charges against the owners.
The charges include 17 breaches of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 and three counts of failing to discharge health and safety duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The prosecution claims that the hotel's management failed to ensure the safety of its guests, leading to Haynes' tragic death.
The case has sparked concerns about the safety standards within the Britannia Hotels organisation, which operates 61 hotels across the UK. The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of safety regulations and the accountability of hotel owners.
A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels has declined to comment on the charges, citing the ongoing court case. However, the organisation has stated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its guests.
The case is set to be heard at a court in the coming months, and it is expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Haynes' death. The outcome of the case will also have implications for the broader hotel industry, with potential changes to safety regulations and enforcement.