Gareth Reed, director of Hastings-based Riverstone-Abbey Estate Agents, has been fined £12,500 for failing to provide information to fire safety inspectors. This prosecution by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service followed a serious incident where three people were trapped in a fire.
Riverstone-Abbey Estate Agents also received a £7,500 fine at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 12th October. The total financial penalty, which includes a victim surcharge and investigation costs, amounts to £24,525.31.
The fire occurred on 15th May 2025 at a property in Hughenden Road, Hastings, managed by Reed and his company. Three individuals suffered smoke inhalation after becoming trapped due to smoke filling common areas. Subsequent inspections identified multiple fire safety failings, including an unsecured fire detector and doors without self-closing devices, and residents had not received emergency procedure information.
However, Reed was not prosecuted for these specific failings or the injuries. The charge related solely to his failure to supply requested documents and information during the investigation, without reasonable excuse.
Jake Kaye, station manager for legal and enforcement at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, stated that the penalties serve as a reminder that fire safety responsibilities must be taken seriously and lawful requests from inspectors dealt with promptly.