A butcher in Strathaven has been fined £1000 after an explosion and fire at her premises left a man with serious burns.
Ann Davidson breached health and safety legislation by storing a propane gas cylinder in the kitchen of her premises.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard she and two men, aged 69 and 58, fled as flames engulfed the building on August 11, 2022.
Richard Brown, prosecuting, said the older man suffered burns to his face, head, hands and back. He was in intensive care in hospital for two weeks and underwent surgery and skin grafts.
Mr Brown told the court: “He also suffered a stroke and developed sepsis. He was in hospital until January 2023 when he went into a care home. He is likely to stay there for the rest of his life. “It’s thought the severe injury sustained in the fire was a significant factor in bringing about his stroke.”
The 58-year-old was treated for minor burns while Davidson suffered burns to her hands and permanent hair loss.
Davidson, 51, of Blackburn Farm, Chapelton, admitted failing to store the gas cylinder safely.
The court was told she and the two men were working late in the evening when the explosion happened. Davidson and the 58-year-old left the shop for a short time and when they returned they heard a “hissing sound” from the kitchen. This was followed immediately by a blast.
Mr Brown said: “On hearing the explosion, customers emerged from a nearby pub to assist. Residents living above the shop were evacuated.“Numerous fire appliances attended and firefighters worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control.”
The fire was caused by gas escaping and igniting after the cylinder valve was opened.
Mr Brown added: “The cylinder should have been stored outside or in a properly ventilated area, but not in the kitchen.”
Davidson did not attend court for the hearing. Her lawyer, Vikki Watt, produced a doctor’s letter explaining that she still suffers “physical and psychological effects” following the blaze.
She stated: “My client offers her sincere apologies and appreciates the catastrophic consequences for [the older man] who was a family friend.
“She was aware of the requirement to be careful over the storage of the gas cylinder, but felt it was safer in the kitchen than outside where the general public would have access to it.”
The solicitor described Davidson as a “hard-working and dedicated” person who is “well-respected and active in the community”.
The Strathaven shop has not reopened since the fire but she now runs a shop in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling.
Sheriff Linda Nicolson described what happened as “extremely unfortunate” but accepted it was an “isolated” incident.
Davidson was given three months to pay the fine.
