Pair admit to fire safety breaches after blaze at Morecambe social club that killed two men

Callum Goffin, 26, of Alexandra Road, Morecambe and Heather Goffin, 54, of Alexandra Road, Morecambe, appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court on October 12 where they entered guilty pleas to a total of 19 charges of breaching fire safety regulations at the Gordon Working Men’s Club in Morecambe.

Heather Goffin pleaded not guilty to another three like offences.

They will be sentenced on January 23 next year, with the outstanding three counts being dealt with at this hearing.

Ten fire engines were scrambled to the scene at the Gordon Working Men's Club on Springfield Street - along with police, two helicopters and three road ambulances - at about 3pm on October 9, 2019.

John McCartney, 60 and Philip 'Tony' Townsend, 70, were rescued from the burning building by firefighters but died a short time later.

A joint investigation into the cause of the blaze was launched between police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the local authority.

Following the deaths of Mr McCartney and Mr Townsend, the former Mayor of Lancaster, Coun David Whitaker, expressed his sadness and commended the work of the emergency services.

He said: “The thoughts of the whole council are with both families and all those whose lives have been affected by this terrible tragedy. I’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to the brave members of the emergency services whose swift actions helped to prevent the fire from spreading and potentially further fatalities from occurring.”

An inquest into the deaths of John McCartney and Philip ‘Tony’ Townsend has yet to be held.