A LANDLORD has been prosecuted for ignoring warnings over dangerous fire safety arrangements.

Dong Lei, 44, was fined £2,250 after he continued to allow people to sleep on the top floor of his property in Stert Street, Abingdon, despite being told they could die if there was a fire.

Fire safety inspectors issued Lei with the prohibition notice after a complaint but later inspections found he had ignored it.

Lei, who lives at the same address above the Ha Noi Cafe Vietnamese restaurant, admitted 12 charges for three different offences at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 20.

The charges included failures to comply with the prohibition notice, on-going failures to provide an adequate fire detection and alarm system, and on-going failures to provide a safe means of escape, so people were at risk of death or serious injury if there were a fire.

He was also ordered to pay costs totalling £1,300 and the prohibition notice remains in place.

The case was taken to court by Oxfordshire County Council on behalf of the fire and rescue service.

Colin Thomas, the council’s deputy chief fire officer, said: “Hopefully, this case will serve as a reminder to landlords of the need to ensure they comply with their statutory responsibilities and provide safe accommodation.”

Judith Heathcoat, the county council’s cabinet member for stronger and safer communities, added: “This prosecution shows that we are determined to follow up complaints and investigate thoroughly to ensure the safety of all Oxfordshire’s residents at all times.”