East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) took legal action against J&R Real Estate and its sole director, Jagmit Singh Ahudja, following offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The case relates to a premises at York Gardens in Hastings, part of Queens Arcade.
During an investigation, a fire safety inspector acting under Article 27 of the Fire Safety Order exercised statutory powers to request information and documents about fire safety arrangements at the site.
The court heard that Mr Ahudja, as the sole director of J&R Real Estate, who are the freeholder for the premises, failed, without reasonable excuse, to provide documents and information required by an authorised inspector in connection with the investigation.
Both Mr Ahudja and J&R Real Estate were subsequently charged with offences under Article 32(2)(e) and Article 32(8) of the Fire Safety Order.
They were found guilty at Brighton and Hove Magistrates’ Court on October 6 2026.
Sentencing has been scheduled for November 8 2026.
George O’Reilly, Assistant Director for Risk Reduction at East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Fire safety legislation is there to protect people from the potentially devastating consequences of fire.
“Our authorised inspectors have statutory powers which enable them to obtain the information and evidence necessary to determine whether premises are being managed safely and whether those responsible are complying with their legal duties.
“We will always seek to work constructively with businesses and Responsible Persons to help them understand and meet their fire safety responsibilities.
“However, those responsible for premises must cooperate with our inspectors and comply with lawful requirements made as part of an investigation.
“Where they fail to do so, we will not hesitate to consider appropriate enforcement action.
“This successful prosecution demonstrates that East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service will use the enforcement powers available to us where necessary to uphold fire safety standards and protect the public.”
The fire service is reminding businesses, property owners and other responsible individuals of their legal obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
