Gareth Reed, the sole director of Riverstone-Abbey Estate Agents Limited, has been fined £12,500 after failing to cooperate with fire safety inspectors. The investigation followed a serious fire at a property managed by his company, which resulted in three residents suffering smoke inhalation after becoming trapped.
Appearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 12 October, Reed was also ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £2,525.31 towards investigation costs. His company received an additional £7,500 fine, bringing the total financial penalties and costs to £24,525.31.
The fire occurred on 15 May 2025, at a property in Hughenden Road, Hastings. Following the blaze, fire safety officers identified several deficiencies, including an insecure kitchen fire detector and doors lacking adequate fire resistance or self-closing devices. Inspectors also found no evidence that residents had received fire instructions.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS) prosecuted Reed and his company after he failed to provide requested documents and information without reasonable excuse. ESFRS has warned landlords and managing agents that ignoring official requests can lead to prosecution.