Guesthouse owner sentenced over ‘filthy’ facilities

A Beverley guesthouse owner has been given a nine-month suspended prison sentence for six offences of not meeting standards for hygiene, health and safety, customer service and for falsely advertising his business as good and clean, when it was described as ‘filthy’.

John Hart, the sole director of Beverley Guest House Limited (also known as Minster Garth Guest House) in Keldgate, Beverley, appeared at Hull Crown Court for sentencing on Friday 10 May.

He received a nine-month prison sentence suspended for two years and was ordered to carry out 20 days rehabilitation activities.

He was also ordered to pay compensation to guests of £729.44.

Hart pleaded guilty to six offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 when he appeared at the court on Wednesday 10 April.

He admitted to advertising and running a guesthouse without maintaining minimum standards required for hygiene, health and safety, customer service and overall presentation.

He admitted he had misled customers in advertising that the rooms were in a good and clean condition and of a high specification, when they were not. He also admitted that he had misled customers by advertising that the guest house was of a four-star standard or a three-star standard, self-certified, when it did not meet such standards.

The court heard the case arose as a result of complaints made to East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s trading standards team between 2021 and 2022 concerning the safety of guests who had booked to stay in Beverley Guest House mainly through booking websites, where the property had been advertised.

The complaints made by guests related to the standard of accommodation and service not being as advertised.

The reports received included claims that the rooms were not being cleaned and were generally filthy with stained carpets, that sheets, pillowcases and duvets were stained, and that shower rooms were filthy and that sinks and taps were covered in grime.

The concerns were heightened in relation to poor hygiene standards at a time when the Covid pandemic was still widespread in the community.

Concerns were also expressed regarding electrical appliances, sockets, lighting, and the fire alarm system.

The guests also claimed a lack of professional diligence and aggressive practices.

There was a lack of customer care and those who complained to Hart were met by rude and aggressive behaviour. Hart’s response upset customers and was described as unhelpful.

Daniel Padgham, trading standards manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This prosecution serves as a clear message that businesses that attempt to deceive consumers, neglect to uphold acceptable standards, and undermine the trust and confidence of the tourism industry in the East Riding will face legal consequences.

“It also confirms the ongoing efforts of the council’s trading standards team to safeguard the well-being of both residents and visitors in East Riding.

“In this particular case, it became evident that Mr Hart had disregarded the guidance provided and numerous warnings issued by trading standards regarding compliance.

“While our service aims to support businesses to ensure compliance with regulations, the council will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute those who persist in engaging in unlawful activities or who put the public at risk.”