AN owner of a shared rental house has been fined more than £7,000 after a fire at his Hampshire property.

Joseph Dorrington was prosecuted after admitting seven fire safety offences at Southampton Magistrates Court.

A blaze broke out in Jonas Nichols Square, Southampton last March, during which firefighters led residents of the premises to safety.

A post-fire inspection found no fire alarm, a blocked fire exit, fire doors not fitted with self closing devices and two more fire doors not maintained properly.

Electrical sockets were damaged and wiring exposed.

Mr Dorrington had also failed provide information to the Fire Authority when asked.

Area Manager Mick Crennell, of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Houses in multiple occupation are homes, frequently, to some of our community’s more vulnerable members.

“Landlords have a duty to ensure the safety of tenants in their homes.

“As a last resort, we will continue to take robust action through the legal system against those landlords that do not take their responsibilities seriously.”