A firefighter has pleaded guilty to several charges in a housing standards case brought by Redcar and Cleveland Council.

Mark Neary pleaded guilty to six counts in relation to three flats in Eston High Street regarded as housing in multiple occupation (HMO) which are jointly owned with his co-defendant Karen Neary.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands Mark Neary is employed by Cleveland Fire Brigade with the organisation stating it was “aware of an ongoing court case”, but it would make no further comment at this stage.

Neary, 44, of The Mount, Normanby, Middlesbrough, admitted the following offences from March 7:

  • Failing to ensure that he displayed his name, address and any telephone contact number in a prominent position in common parts of the HMO
  • Two charges of failing to take all such measures as reasonably required to protect occupiers from injury having regard to the design of the HMO, the structural conditions and the number of flats or occupiers
  • Failing to ensure that all common parts of the HMO were maintained in good and clean decorative repair and in a safe and working condition
  • Failing to ensure that fixtures, fittings and appliances in each part of the HMO used as living accommodation were maintained in good repair and in clean working order Unreasonably causing the electricity supply used by any occupier to be interrupted.

Mark and Karen Neary are each charged with 21 offences in respect of the management of an HMO, including failing to ensure that firefighting equipment and fire alarms are maintained in good working order and failing to ensure that every window and means of ventilation are kept in good repair.

No further pleas were registered to the remaining offences on the indictment.

Prosecuting, Christopher Machin described how there may be further disclosure from both defendants which may lead the local council to “take a different view” on the respective charges.

Victoria Molloy, representing both defendants, suggested it was Mr Neary and not his co-defendant – also of The Mount, Normanby – who managed the flats, and the court would need to take a view on this.

She said: “We are trying to negotiate matters in relation to the evidence so that a trial is not necessary.”

The solicitor also said the guilty pleas entered were “with a view to the defendant preserving his credit”.

The case was adjourned for two weeks until November 28.

In a statement prior to the hearing at Teesside Magistrates Court, Cleveland Fire Brigade said: “We are aware of an ongoing court case which concerns a Cleveland Fire Brigade employee. Whilst the case and internal investigations are in progress, we will not provide any further comments on this matter.”