Jarvis Hotels Ltd has been fined £400,000 after the death of a guest staying in the Learmouth Hotel in Edinburgh. It is one of the highest fines ever imposed following a local authority investigation.

In September 2003, a guest trapped in a lift attempted to climb out and fell down the lift shaft during a rescue attempt. A complex, year-long investigation into the guest's death was carried out by Edinburgh City Council's health and safety team.

It was discovered that the Learmouth Hotel lift had broken down 40 times in three years and that Jarvis has failed to act on 30 recommendations to repair it.

Jarvis Hotels Ltd pleaded guilty to two charges under health and safety at work legislation. A manager for the company, which has a previous conviction, said that the £20,000 needed for improvements was not immediately available.

Eric Robinson, head of regulatory services at Edinburgh Council, said: 'It is unfortunate that it takes a case like this to highlight just how important it is that businesses ensure their lifts are maintained in good working order. Businesses should also have safety procedures in place for passengers who become stuck in lifts and staff must be fully trained for such emergencies.'

He thanked the council staff who carried out the investigation and said the council would not hesitate to prosecute companies who put the safety of Edinburgh residents or visitors at risk.

The hotel, no longer owned by Jarvis Hotels Ltd, was sold in 2004 to Festival Inns which has since fully refurbished the lift.


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