Northumbria Police, Criminal Investigation Northern.
Following a house fire and the death of the occupant of the property, I was initially instructed to attend the scene, undertake an inspection of the electrical installation and compile a report on my findings affording an opinion on the possible cause of the fire.
Following the discovery of additional evidence, a further interview of an electrical contractor, I was further instructed to produce a further report on this matter.
My report concluded that, in my opinion, the electrical contractor had undertaken electrical installation works that required notification to a building control body, that the works required inspection, testing and certification. Furthermore, the condition of the existing installation, into which the electrical contractor was going to connect his additional work, should have been inspected to verify its’ suitability for continued use. The electrical contractor failed in his statutory and technical duties to undertake his work with reasonable skill and care.
Clients comment:
“Barry Kelly was instructed by Northumbria Police as an electrical expert witness in a case involving an electrical fire at a dwelling where an elderly female died as a result.
He visited the scene and carried out an assessment of the property and then compiled a report regarding the possible cause of the house fire. An electrical company had carried out work at the address in the recent months and therefore the company owner was investigated for gross negligence/corporate manslaughter.
Following the owner being interviewed Barry Kelly was asked to compile a further report responding to questions raised.
During the whole investigation Barry Kelly was very knowledgeable, thorough and professional with his approach to the reports and when giving evidence at the coroners inquest. The electrical company owner’s attitude became challenging during the inquest where he disagreed with Barry Kelly’s opinion throughout. Barry Kelly remained professional and dealt with the confrontation calmly and intelligently.
Northumbria Police have been impressed with the standard and quality of Barry Kelly as an expert in this field and wouldn’t hesitate to contact him again.”
The Coroner concluded that the cause of death was due to the effects of a fire caused by a loose electrical connection within a consumer unit which supplied the storage heaters in the home.