Pub Chain Slapped with £1.56M Fine After Student’s Death
A massive £1.56 million fine has been handed down to Stonegate, the UK’s biggest pub chain, after a Durham University student was killed by a decorative screen outside one of their nightclubs.
Tragedy Strikes Outside Durham Nightspot
In February 2018, 20-year-old Olivia Burt suffered fatal head injuries when a heavy decorative screen crashed down on her while she queued outside the Missoula bar in Durham. The screen had toppled 30 minutes earlier but was simply pushed back into place—a fatal mistake.
Stonegate Found Guilty of Health and Safety Failings
After a three-week trial at Teesside Crown Court, Stonegate was found guilty of breaching health and safety laws. The court heard the screens were for decoration only, not designed to control crowds, and the venue was packed with student sports teams on the night.
The crush forced Olivia into the fragile screen, causing her head to slam onto the pavement before other revellers’ weight added to her injuries. Judge Howard Crowson said Stonegate’s negligence “led to the death of Olivia.”
Heartbroken Parents Call Out Stonegate’s “Dereliction of Duty”
“Stonegate showed a complete dereliction of their duties and disregard for the safety of those attending, including Olivia,” said parents Paula and Nigel Burt.
“Olivia was just starting her adult life at university with so much ahead of her. That was cruelly taken away. Our lives will never be the same—we are heartbroken.”
The pub giant was cleared of three other charges but must also pay over £225,000 in costs. This landmark ruling sends a clear message that cutting corners on safety has deadly consequences.
