The proprietors of a hotel face 20 charges following the tragic death of a young woman who was killed by a falling wardrobe. Chloe Haynes, aged 21, was discovered deceased in her room at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool on September 10, 2022. Her mother, Nicola Williams, expressed her determination to uncover all the details surrounding the loss of her daughter, who she fondly called “Birdy.”
Britannia Hotels Ltd, the company managing the Adelphi Hotel, was formally accused of 20 health and safety violations by Liverpool City Council at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court. The charges span two limited companies under Britannia Hotels Ltd.
Allegations suggest that safety hazards were posed to employees, non-employees, Chloe Haynes, and Valencia Verdin, a three-year-old who was injured by a falling cabinet at the hotel in the prior year. The accusations point to the failure to properly secure windows and wardrobes in several hotel rooms, leading to the incidents. The charges cover a timeframe from January 2021 to August 2025.
During a court session, Keith Morton KC, representing Britannia Hotels, stated that his client would not be entering a plea. The case was transferred to Liverpool Crown Court, where a plea and trial preparation hearing is scheduled for June 4.
Chloe, who had a twin brother and three siblings, had traveled from Hafan y Mor Haven Holiday Park in North Wales to Liverpool for a night out. She shared a hotel room with a colleague, who found her and raised the alarm.
Ms. Williams recounted how Chloe had left for an event at the Adelphi Hotel and later returned to rest. Tragically, Chloe, disoriented, attempted to open a wardrobe, mistaking it for a door, and it collapsed on her, resulting in a fatal injury.
Following the incident, two men from neighboring rooms tried to assist by lifting the wardrobe off Chloe, but it was too late to save her. The men were questioned initially but later released as the circumstances clarified that the death was accidental, according to Merseyside Police.
Describing her daughter, Ms. Williams shared how Chloe adored animals and had a beloved dog named Archie. She affectionately called her daughter ‘Birdy’ due to her petite and gentle nature. Chloe’s inner beauty, kindness, and struggles with self-confidence were highlighted by her mother.
The case has been adjourned, with District Judge Paul Healey determining that the charges will be tried at Liverpool Crown Court due to the serious nature of the allegations and potential trial outcomes.