Property management company Boaden Hindmarsh Ltd has been fined more than £7,800 for breaching fire safety regulations.

Director Michael Boaden pleaded guilty to four charges on behalf of the Jesmond-based company at Sunderland Magistrates' Court on February 14.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service brought the charges after the company failed to correct a number of deficiencies highlighted following an inspection of High Bridge House, High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, which is managed by Boaden Hindmarsh, in November 2008. A second inspection by the service in May 2009 found the safety breaches had not been dealt with and a prohibition notice was issued the following month.

The charges related to an inappropriate and defective fire alarm system, a lack of emergency lighting on escape routes and inadequately maintained fire doors. The firm was fined a total of £6,400 and ordered to pay £1,410 costs.

Area Manager for Community Safety John Baines, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Public safety is of paramount importance to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and we try to work with organisations to create the safest community. However, where there are serious or regular breaches of fire regulations which endanger lives we will take legal action.

"Our enforcement programme is proportionate to the risk involved, and in this case there was real risk of serious injury or death for people using these premises."

 Posted: 09.45am, 24.02.11