Two companies have pleaded guilty to fire safety breaches after a block of flats went up in flames.
Cleveland Fire Brigade rescued two people from Tower Chambers and led three other residents to safety after the fire broke out in the early hours of the morning on February 2, 2021.
A further 12 people managed to make their own way to safety from the flats above a fish and chip shop on Tower Street, Hartlepool.
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Representatives from Asset Property Management and Total Events Safety Teams admit breaching fire regulations following an investigation carried out by the fire brigade when they appeared at Teesside Crown Court.
The first company pleaded guilty to four charges while the second company admitted a further charge during a short hearing on the day they were due to go on trial.
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Judge Jonathan Carroll heard how the charges related to a lack of fire escapes and the building’s alarm systems.
The case was adjourned for sentencing to take place at the same court on October 26.
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