Brian and David Murdoch

A father and son who breached fire safety rules have been ordered to pay more than £50,000 in fines and costs after a fire which wrecked shops, offices and flats in Kidderminster.

Four people were sleeping above the shops in Coventry Street, Kidderminster, when fire broke out in July 2007, Kidderminster magistrates heard.

Brian Murdoch, aged 69, of Mouse Lane, Kidderminster, had previously pleaded guilty to six charges and failed to appear in court yesterday because he was unwell but was fined in his absence a total of £5,250.

His son David Murdoch, 41, of Franche Road, Kidderminster, who had pleaded guilty to eight charges was fined £6,350 at yesterday’s hearing.

District Judge Brian Morgan also ordered them to pay costs of £39,695 to Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority who brought proceedings against the pair for having breached the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

At a hearing on November 25, Brian Murdoch pleaded guilty to failing to carry out a risk assessment and failing to maintain and upkeep fire safety devices. He also admitted not communicating with his son about safety.

David Murdoch pleaded guilty to the same charges and to not ensuring the fire safety devices were in good order.

Brian Murdoch said he fitted two fire alarms but admitted that they might have been too far away to alert people sleeping on the second floor.

Brian and David Murdoch offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever started the fire but no-one has been caught.