Landlord appeals $250,000 compensation ruling over fatal Barnsley fire

A landlord is appealing a $250,000 compensation ruling after a fire killed tenant Bradley Heafey in Barnsley in 2019. The court found the landlord, James Gause, negligent for not ensuring the smoke alarm was operational. Gause claims the judge erred in determining that the smoke alarm's battery and speaker were removed before Heafey's tenancy. His lawyer argued that Gause had taken safety measures, including providing a fire blanket and extinguisher. The appeal court is considering evidence about the smoke alarm's condition and whether Heafey's actions contributed to the incident. The justices have reserved their decision.