THE sole director of two separate companies has pleaded guilty to failing to supply information to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service during an investigation into possible fire safety breaches.

Mr Russell Warren Stevens, the sole director of both IF Hotels Ltd - the Hope Cove Country House, Salcombe - and The Old Vicarage at Malborough Ltd - the Old Vicarage, Malborough - appeared before Torquay Magistrates on Tuesday, June 14.

He is facing costs of more than £7,000 for failing to supply information to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, DSFRS, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

He pleaded guilty to eight charges of breaching Article 27 under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £4,000 in costs to DSFRS and a victim surcharge of £120.

A spokesman for DSFRS said: ‘In September 2015, DSFRS was alerted to possible fire safety breaches at the Hope Cove Country House, Hope Cove, Kingsbridge and The Old Vicarage, Marlborough, Kingsbridge. Initial enquiries by fire service inspectors linked the two companies to the premises and they were subsequently contacted to assist with the ongoing investigation.

‘Both companies and Mr Stevens, the companies’ sole director, then repeatedly failed to respond, without reasonable excuse, to the request for information to confirm who the responsible person was and to provide supporting documentation.

‘Under Article 27 of the Order, an inspector from the fire service may do anything necessary for the purpose of carrying out the Order, including making enquiries regarding the premises, to establish compliance with the Order and identify the responsible person.

‘Any person having responsibilities in relation to a premises is required to assist an inspector. Failure to do so is an offence under the order. In respect of a body corporate, this includes the director.’

Group Manager Paul Bray, Business Fire Safety Manager for DSFRS, said: ‘It is important that business co-operate with us and provide information promptly when requested. Failure to take the matter seriously raises doubt at the overall management attitude to fire safety and the Service will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action.

‘The decision to prosecute was a last resort and could have easily been prevented. Mr Stevens had been given every opportunity to respond but failed to do so.

‘Fire Safety Officers will always work with and support those businesses who take their fire safety responsibilities seriously. I believe the decision of the courts sends out a clear message that those who believe that they can ignore the law will not be tolerated.’