Britannia Hotels faces 20 health and safety charges

Britannia Hotels Ltd appeared in Liverpool Magistrates Court on Thursday, facing 20 health and safety offences brought by Liverpool City Council over alleged failures at its Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool city centre. The charges stem from incidents including the death of 21-year-old Chloe Haynes, who was crushed by a falling wardrobe in her room on September 10, 2022, and injuries to a three-year-old girl from a toppling cabinet the previous year.

Keith Morton KC, representing the company under two limited entities, told the court no plea would be indicated at the brief hearing. District Judge Paul Healey adjourned the case to Liverpool Crown Court, scheduling a plea and trial preparation hearing for June 4. "There are a number of charges contrary to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974," the judge said. "In the event of a not guilty plea, the trial should take place before a judge and jury at the crown court."

Charge sheets outline allegations that the company endangered employees, non-employees, Ms Haynes and Valencia Verdin by failing to secure wardrobes to prevent toppling in six rooms, a cabinet in another room, and windows from opening too far. The charges cover the...