Pub firm fined £240k over woman's cellar fall death

Julie Hyatt died in hospital after falling down a flight of stairs

A pub company has been fined by a judge over the death of a woman who fell down a flight of stairs into the cellar.

Julie Hyatt died in hospital 12 days after the fall at The Langton Arms in Church Langton, Leicestershire, on 26 May 2023.

Harborough District Council said the 57-year-old had fallen into the basement cellar through a door which should have been locked.

The authority prosecuted Redcat Retail Pubs Ltd for failing to comply with health and safety legislation and on Thursday, the company admitted the breach at Leicester Magistrates' Court before being ordered to pay £240,000, a victim surcharge of £2,000 and £43,633 in legal costs.

The council said following an investigation, it found the business had not assessed the risk to the health and safety of its employees or members of the public.

It added there was also no risk assessment in place to cover the access into the basement cellar.

'Strong message'

Cat Hartley, from Harborough District Council, said: "Firstly, we offer our sincere condolences to Mr Hyatt and all of Mrs Hyatt's family and friends.

"This was a serious breach of health and safety, which regrettably resulted in Mrs Hyatt losing her life. We have worked tirelessly on this investigation to ensure justice for the family.

"All businesses have a legal duty to their customers to ensure the conditions in their premises meet rigorous safety standards. We hope this prosecution sends out a strong message that businesses which fall significantly short of this standard will be brought before the courts.

"Residents and visitors to Harborough district should expect to be safe when they are enjoying any of our licensed hospitality premises."