A Bristol landlord has been given a suspended jail sentence for breaches of fire safety law, given 200 hours community service and ordered to pay costs £7,819 to Avon Fire & Rescue Service.

Ashiq Mohammed Sadiq, aged 54, from Eastville, Bristol, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court after pleading guilty to four charges after a fire at premises he owned on Stapleton Road, Bristol.

Although two people escaped from the fire with only burns and smoke inhalation, a third person, Jaroslav Bily aged 54, died as a result of injuries sustained in the fire.

Matt Peskett, Station Manager & Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s Head of Technical Fire Safety, said: “We are satisfied with the outcome of this case and believe the sentence passed down today reflects the severity of the charges.

“Sadly one of the occupants died as a result of his injuries and other lives were put at risk because of failures to ensure safe accommodation was provided for residents in the event of fire.

“Landlords should be aware that where they provide accommodation they have a duty of care and a moral responsibility to look after their guests and residents. They should carry out a risk assessment and ensure their premises are up to the appropriate standard.

“Failure to do so may result in loss of life, as was sadly the case at these premises. Where breaches come to our attention, whether there is a fire or not, it may result in prosecution.”

Bristol Crown Court heard that Mr Sadiq had breached the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 by failing to complete a fire risk assessment; ensure that the premises were equipped with fire detectors and alarms; and that the exit route was adequately protected.

There was no self-closing fire door to the kitchen, and combustible materials were stored against unprotected electrical wiring in the escape route. There was also a lack of fire protection between the ground floor, which was full of combustible material, and the living accommodation above.

Judge Wassall, when sentencing, said: “This offence is so serious that a custodial sentence is justified”.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. A responsible person must carry out a fire safety risk assessment and implement and maintain a fire management plan.