Mr Ansar Javaid appeared before HHJ Drew KC, the Honorary Recorder of Worcester, at Worcester Crown Court on 8 October 2026 charged with obstructing a fire officer in the course of their duties and breaching a prohibition notice issued under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Prosecution counsel, Dr Daniel Jacklin, read out that Mr Javaid breached a prohibition notice not to use the first and second floor of the premises on Comberton Hill in Kidderminster “for any purpose” on two dates: 22 April 2025 and 1 October 2025. The court heard evidence of Mr Javaid being in breach of the notice on these occasions but also several others. Officers found evidence on multiple occasions of persons sleeping on the first and second floors.
The court also heard that Mr Javaid had refused or instructed his staff to refuse fire officers entry to the first and second floors on three occasions: 31 March 2025, 18 February 2026, and 24 March 2026. In doing so, he obstructed them in their duty.
Mr Javaid pleaded guilty to the charges at the earliest opportunity. The Court heard that his businesses turned over in excess of £300,000 per annum. Despite repeated attempts by Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority officers between April 2024 and July 2026 to require work to be done to the premises, the Authority still regarded the premises as in a dangerous state. The learned judge described the premises as “as a death trap”.
In sentencing, HHJ Drew KC, said: “You knew exactly what you were doing when you ignored warnings. Your breaches were deliberate. People at your property were put at a high risk of death or serious harm. Had someone died, the consequences for you, Mr Javaid, would have been very grave indeed.”
The sentence passed was as follows:
- Two sentences of imprisonment each of 12 months and suspended for two years and to be served concurrently;
- 100 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months;
- Two fines of £7,500, one for each offence to be paid within 12 months;
- A £2,000 victim surcharge;
- Prosecution costs in full in the sum of £11,485.70 to be paid within 12 months.
