Adelphi hotel could face prosecution over girl crushed to death by wardrobe

Liverpool Council could look to prosecute a major hotel chain for its role in the death of a woman who was found crushed to death by a wardrobe at the Adelphi on Ranelagh Street.

Chloe Haynes, 21, was found dead in her room by her friend in the early hours of September 10. The holiday park worker was discovered under the wardrobe having returned to her room after a night out in Liverpool.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the city council is considering several potential avenues upon the conclusion of its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chloe’s death. Sources have confirmed this could include prosecution of the Adelphi’s parent company Britannia Hotels.

On the night of September 10 last year, emergency services received calls regarding a “concern for safety.” Merseyside Police officers entered the hotel and found Chloe in her room.

Three men, aged 26, 46 and 49, were initially arrested in connection with the death but were released without charge after police concluded the victim had died “accidentally.” Following Chloe’s death, Liverpool Council carried out spot checks on the premises and on September 22, issued prohibition notices to Britannia Hotels regarding the safety of the wardrobes found in Chloe’s room.

The spot checks also found issues regarding the windows at the hotel. While not required by law, where window restrictors are in place to prevent falls, they must be kept in good condition.

This was not thought to be the case at the Adelphi, leading to a second notice being issued. These are issued when an inspector is of the opinion a contravention of health and safety law has been found, or likely to be repeated.

An appeal against the prohibition notices was launched by Britannia Hotels against Liverpool Council, which was heard before Manchester Employment Tribunal Court on Wednesday afternoon. A brief judgement document obtained by the LDRS showed that while the notice regarding the safety of the wardrobes had been cancelled owing to it being completed within a set time frame, an additional notice issued about the safety of the windows had been upheld as this was not completed on time.

A full written judgement in the case is expected to be released in the next three weeks.

Liverpool Council’s investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chloe’s death is still ongoing and is not impacted by the case heard in Manchester on Wednesday. A second investigation was launched into the hotel following an injury to a guest in May 2022.

The Adelphi’s parent company Britannia Hotels did not respond to requests for comment.