The defendant, Xueyong Xu, was charged with two strict liability offences under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, for failing to install a carbon monoxide alarm adjacent to sleeping areas and failing to maintain smoke alarms in operating condition at his rental property.
The court found the prosecution's evidence credible and reliable, while the defendant's testimony lacked credibility and reliability, particularly regarding his shifting explanations and lack of maintenance records.
The defendant's due diligence defence failed.
The court found the defendant guilty on both counts.
