A landlord who breached health and safety regulations and regularly flouted court summons has been ordered to pay more than £6,700.
Following a trial at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, Colin Smith was found guilty of contravening a health and safety notice requiring a “suitable and sufficient” assessment.
Victoria Jempson, prosecuting, said, “A Colchester Council health and safety officer had been part of a team taking part in a campaign around the town centre.
“In April 2017 the officer made inquiries and various failed attempts to meet Smith who had made promises to provide the assessments.
“He was issued with an enforcement notice in September 2017 that required him to under take a reassessment.
“He requested an extension to the end of October 2017 but what was provided by Smith to the council was not suitable or sufficient to protect the safety of employees.”
He was taken to court by Colchester Council, but failed to turn up for several hearings before finally being found guilty by magistrates.
