A Cheltenham-based fireworks company, Platinum Home Cinema Ltd., and its director, Chase Gardiner, have been fined a total of £25,820.30 following a court ruling that the firm’s illegal storage of over 1,200kg of explosives posed a serious “risk of death.”
Both Gardiner, 42, and his company pleaded guilty to four offences at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on April 22. Three of these offences concerned the unlicensed storage of more than 1,220kg of fireworks at a Livery Yard facility on Church Farm Lane, near Shurdington. The fourth charge related to exceeding the storage capacity by 291kg—about 36% over the licensed limit—at another licensed premises.
Gardiner, who appeared alone at court on May 26, was fined £3,986 personally, which includes a surcharge. Platinum Home Cinema Ltd. was fined £11,200 along with surcharges, plus court costs of £10,634.30, bringing the total fines to just over £25,820.
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The investigation was sparked by a tip-off from a former employee on July 9, 2024, who reported fireworks being stored illegally in three rusty, poorly maintained containers at the Livery Yard. On July 18, Trading Standards officers visited the site and documented the unsafe storage conditions, including fireworks kept in open boxes and even loose on floors and shelves.
Gardiner initially denied the presence of fireworks at the farm but quickly admitted after officers showed evidence. He claimed the fireworks had been moved there only three days earlier due to threats against the company’s licensed site. However, evidence suggested the fireworks had been stored on site for several years.
The court heard that the storage containers failed to maintain the legally required separation distances—set at 58 meters by the Explosives Regulations 2014. Instead, containers were as close as 50 meters to nearby buildings and stables regularly visited by people, posing a clear threat to public safety. An expert confirmed the containers were inappropriate and that the risk of fatal incidents was significant.
Although no injuries occurred, the court emphasized the “risk of death” from these breaches. Additional charges related to over-storage at the licensed Halfpenny Farm premises, despite available capacity at other licensed sites in the Forest of Dean area.
Defending Gardiner, lawyer Matthew Harbinson pointed out that for 15 years the company had complied with all regulations and inspections. The breach was a one-time incident following the whistleblower’s tip. He stressed that the issue has since been rectified, with fireworks now legally stored nearby.
Gardiner and Platinum Home Cinema Ltd. avoided a custodial sentence by agreeing to pay the fines within 30 days, closing this serious case of fireworks safety violations.