Pub company fined after woman dies from fall

Julie Hyatt, 57, died from her injuries in hospital on 26 May 2023, after falling down stairs at The Langton Arms in Church Langton.

Mrs Hyatt fell into a basement cellar through a door which should have been locked.

Harborough District Council has successfully prosecuted Redcat Retail Pubs Ltd, the pub company which owns The Langton Arms, for failing to comply with health and safety legislation.

After an extensive investigation the council concluded that the business had not assessed the risk to the health and safety of its employees or members of the public. There was no risk assessment in place to cover the access into the basement cellar.

At Leicester Magistrates Court, on Thursday 19 June 2025, Redcat Retail Pubs Ltd pleaded guilty to one count of breaching section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

A judge ordered the business to pay £240,000, a victim surcharge of £2,000 and £43,633.06 in legal costs.

The council has a duty to ensure that licensed premises comply with statutory requirements and can take appropriate enforcement action if required.

Cat Hartley, Director of Communities and Wellbeing at Harborough District Council, said: “Firstly, we offer our sincere condolences to Mr Hyatt and all of Mrs Hyatt’s family and friends.  

“This was a serious breach of health and safety, which regrettably resulted in Mrs Hyatt losing her life. We have worked tirelessly on this investigation to ensure justice for the family.

“All businesses have a legal duty to their customers to ensure the conditions in their premises meet rigorous safety standards. We hope this prosecution sends out a strong message that businesses which fall significantly short of this standard will be brought before the courts. 

"Residents and visitors to Harborough district should expect to be safe when they are enjoying any of our licensed hospitality premises."