Landlord jailed after tenant suffers 'horrific' burns

12/05/2010

A landlord has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after one of his tenants suffered severe burns in a fire at one of his properties.

Layla Skalli, 19, was so badly burnt that medics gave her less than one per cent chance of survival following the blaze.

Norwich Crown Court heard that landlord Michael Billings, of Ashman's Hall, Barsham, Beccles, Suffolk, had failed to fit a working fire alarm system and had also not installed the correct number of fire doors or even provided adequate means of escape.

Victims of such health and safety failings could well seek the services of an injury solicitor to pursue a compensation claim.

Health and Safety Executive inspector John Claxton said that this was the most distressing case he has worked on during his 31 years in the job.

"The injuries and pain suffered by Miss Skalli were horrific. It is testament to her huge character, spirit and determination that she is still alive today," he added.

Last month, some 1,650 people who received chemical burns from their leather sofas were told that they would be getting a share of a GBP 20 million injury compensation pay-out.

Posted by Trevor Baker

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