3PB’s Nicholas Cotter successful for care home manager after fire
10th May 2019
Following a terrible fire at Newgrange Care Home in Hertfordshire, in which two elderly residents died, regulatory and health and safety barrister Nicholas Cotter acted for the care home manager Alison Wood.
Mrs Wood pleaded not guilty to five Fire Reform Order offences. Significant expert evidence was then considered to help determine issues of causation, fire compartment, building regulations and regulatory fault in the tragic loss of life.
The CPS indicated before trial that they would offer no evidence against Mrs Wood and were dropping the charges. The trial concluded at St Albans Crown Court with the company Newgrange of Cheshunt Limited, which runs the home, admitting five charges of failing to comply with fire safety legislation and being fined £175,000.
To read more about the case as was reported by the BBC, please click here.