Animal centre boss sentenced

The proprietor of the Swindon and District Animal Haven, near Royal Wootton Bassett, appeared at Swindon Crown Court where he was told to complete 120 hours of unpaid community service for each offence, to run concurrently over 12 months.

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue group manager Julian Parsons said: “We only prosecute in cases where people have been recklessly endangered or there is a flagrant disregard, or lack of will, to work with us to improve fire safety.

“In this case, we felt that both these criteria were applicable.

“We were particularly concerned about the risk presented to young and vulnerable people who helped at this site, which is why we felt we had no option but to pursue this through the courts.

“This is the first time a community service order has been made in a case which we have brought.

“We hope Mr Warwick-Huckvale learns from this, and carries out the promises he made in court to improve fire safety and not utilise help from young and vulnerable people, therefore exposing them to unnecessary risk.”

The court heard that, in August 2009, officers from Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service inspected the premises at Ballards Ash after a complaint about fire safety.

During the inspection, several serious problems were found with fire safety management – in particular, there were concerns about the safety of young people who helped look after the animals.

Among the issues admitted by Warwick-Huckvale were the absence of a fully functioning fire extinguisher, the presence of an unguarded heater surrounded by combustible materials such as blankets, and the absence of a working fire alarm, as the manual fire bell did not have a hammer inside.

Officers subsequently undertook a number of visits to the site over the following months in an effort to get Warwick-Huckvale to improve fire safety.

When officers felt no intention had been made to comply, it was decided to pursue court action.