The “Person in Control” of a care home has been given a suspended sentence and fined £43,000 for fire safety breaches that risked the life and safety of residents and employees
As previously reported by the FPA, fire safety officers from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) first inspected Morvern Care Centre in Thornton-Cleveleys in December 2020. At the time, the care home had 45 elderly residents living there. Due to the severity of the fire safety breaches identified at the premises, LFRS issued a prohibition notice. The service explained that the notice led to a “coordinated multi-agency approach” to relocate the residents to other care facilities.
“These fire safety breaches posed a serious threat to the life and safety of all residents and staff of the care home,” LFRS said.
Mr Rajesh Kumar Chechani, the “Person in Control” for the care home, was subsequently prosecuted for failing to comply with Article 5(3) of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
On 16 June 2025, Mr Chechani pleaded guilty to two offences, including:
- Failure to ensure the premises had adequate general fire precautions, pursuant to Article 8(1)(b) of the Fire Safety Order.
- Failure to make a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment for the premises, pursuant to Article 9(1) of the Fire Safety Order.
Sentencing took place at Preston Crown Court on 26 September 2025, where Mr Chechani was given a three-month sentence, suspended for 12 months. He received a fine of £10,000 alongside a victim surcharge to be decided for “to comply with the above articles of the Fire Safety Order”. He was also ordered to pay £33,000 in costs to LFRS.
Commenting on the conclusion of this successful prosecution, Protection Department Group Manager for LFRS, Ian Armistead, said: “This Prosecution sends a clear message that Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) will always work with those willing to address fire safety issues, and businesses can be assured that we will continue to support them in complying with the Fire Safety Order.
“Prohibiting any premises is always a difficult decision, and we do not instigate unless it is deemed absolutely necessary and we feel the fire safety risk to those that occupy the premises is too great to remain in the premises.
“Mr Rajesh Kumar Chechani had a legal responsibility to keep his staff and residents safe, which he failed to do, and this has been evidenced by his sentencing. It should also send a strong message to others with fire safety responsibilities that they cannot neglect their legal duties.”
LFRS reiterated that all responsible persons and those with legal duties should take action to comply with fire safety regulations, with the service offering guidance and free support on how to do this.