No evidence offered against a very large organisation represented by Oliver Powell 

Oliver Powell, led by Prashant Popat KC of Henderson Chambers, and instructed by Mike Grant and James Muller of Weightmans, acted for a very large organisation.

Their client was indicted before Chester Crown Court on two counts pursuant to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Following service of a 27-page Defence Statement, expert report and written representations, Cheshire Fire Rescue Authority (‘CFRA’) agreed to offer no evidence against their client.

Background

On 8 August 2019, the Beechmere retirement village in Crewe was destroyed by fire. More than 150 residents lost their homes and possessions.

The fire was one of the biggest ever attended by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (‘CFRS’) with 70 firefighters deployed at its height to bring it under control.

Immediately following the incident, CFRS began an investigation into the matter to ascertain the cause of the fire and establish any potential breaches of fire safety legislation. As a result of the investigation, CFRA brought charges against five companies for failing to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 at Beechmere.

A 10-week trial against the 4 remaining companies is listed to commence before Chester Crown Court in May 2025.

Oliver’s Instruction

Oliver Powell has been retained on this matter by the very large organisation for the last 4 years. He has guided the company from the pre-charge advice stage all the way through to the Crown Court proceedings, ultimately resulting in the prosecutor offering no evidence.

Find out more

Oliver Powell’s practice includes Health, Safety & Environment. He is ranked for Health & Safety in the Legal 500 (Tier 1) and Chambers & Partners. Oliver acts for companies and company officers in prosecutions brought by the CPS, EA, HSE, MCA, MMO and local authorities. In addition to prosecutions and regulatory investigations, Oliver is frequently instructed in coronial inquests and inquiries. Recent clients include; Assent Building Control Ltd, Building Control Partnership Ltd, Bombardier, Evergreen Marine UK Ltd, K Line, Red Funnel, Skyjack, and Waterdance Ltd. 

Oliver is often retained by companies at the outset of a criminal, civil and/or regulatory investigation. He will advise them on inter alia best practice in relation to the interplay between the different investigations, interviews and privilege. By instructing Oliver during the infancy of an investigation, companies have quickly come to realise how his experience and sound advice have huge benefits to the team involved.

To instruct Oliver, or find out more, contact Andy Hunter on +44 (0)20 7427 4905 for a confidential discussion.

News 28 Feb, 2025