Mr Yousaf Younas, of Cartier Close, Warrington, failed to comply with a Prohibition Order served on him with respect to a privately rented property at 58 Fitzherbert Street, Warrington.

The Order prohibited the use of a ground floor bedroom adjacent to the kitchen due to serious fire safety concerns, and required works to be carried out before it could be occupied again.

After the Order was served, officers found the bedroom in use by a couple with a young baby. Mr Younas had failed to take any action to prevent the use of the bedroom or to carry out any works recommended by the council to reduce the fire risk posed.

On Wednesday 26 October the matter was heard in the Magistrates’ Court and Mr Younas pleaded guilty.

Warrington Borough Council's Cabinet Member for environment, housing and public protection, Cllr Hitesh Patel, said: “The successful prosecution serves as a warning to other landlords that we will not hesitate to prosecute landlords who fail to comply with legal notices and don’t take the health and safety of their tenants seriously.”