Leicestershire Wife Dies From Brain Injury After Falling Down Pub Cellar Staircase

The grieving husband of a Leicestershire woman who died after falling down a pub staircase has revealed his life “will never be the same again.”

Paul Hyatt and his wife Julie, from Countesthorpe, Blaby, had gone to the Langton Arms in Church Langton for Sunday lunch with some friends.   

During the meal, Julie went to use the toilets.  A temporary sign appeared to direct Julie to a door, which she opened and stepped through.  However, instead of the toilets, it led to the cellar.  It was unlit and Julie fell down the staircase.

Woman dies 12 days after being taken to hospital

She was taken to hospital, where she was diagnosed with a catastrophic brain injury.  She died 12 days later, aged 57.

Following Julie’s death, in May 2023, Paul, 67, instructed expert fatal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist support he requires and secure answers around the circumstances surrounding Julie’s death.

A criminal investigation resulted in a number of health and safety charges being brought against RedCat Pub Company Ltd.  Earlier this year, the company pleaded guilty.  They were sentenced at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on 19 June.

Husband and legal team issue health and safety plea

Paul’s now joining with his legal team in issuing a health and safety plea.

Christopher Kardahji is the specialist fatal injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Paul.

Expert Opinion

“Paul and the rest of Julie’s loved ones remain devastated by her tragic death and the circumstances surrounding it.

“What started off as a nice lunch with friends turned into tragedy, and Julie’s family have been left trying to pick up the pieces.

“While nothing will make up for their loss, we hope that this case reinforces how vital it is for establishments to follow basic health and safety requirements, including having clear signage in place and ensuring that areas that aren’t open to the public are properly secured.

“We continue to support Julie’s loved ones at this difficult time as they try to come to terms with her death the best they can.” Christopher Kardahji

Fatal injury: Paul and Julie Hyatt's story

Paul and Julie met in 1985.  They got married two years later.

The couple enjoyed golf and football, supporting Leicester City FC.  They also had a love of dogs and walking.  They holidayed in the UK and abroad, visiting Barbados 14 years in a row.

Paul was close to retirement at the time of Julie’s death.  Julie was a housewife and her and Paul were looking forward to Paul’s retirement so that they could spend more time together.

Paul pays tribute to 'most loving wife'

Speaking after the hearing, Paul said: “Julie and I would often talk for hours about what we would do when I finally retired.  We even spoke about the possibility of leaving Leicester and seeing out the rest of our lives together on the Norfolk coast, which we loved.

“Since losing Julie, my quality of life has been pretty non-existent.  I’m a shell of the person I once was.  Julie was the most loving wife and I was really looking forward to spending what should have been the best years of my life with her.

“I’m not the only one struggling and no words can express how we all feel since that horrific moment.  Life will never be the same again, but I know there’s nothing I can do to change what happened.

“I just hope that by speaking out, I can make others think twice when it comes to health and safety.  Regulations aren’t just there for the fun of it, and it could save someone’s life.  If the pub company that day had taken it more seriously, then Julie might still be here.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to go through the pain and grief that I am.”

RedCat Pub Company Limited fined

At the sentencing hearing, inadequate signage and a failure to secure the door were noted, as well as wider failings in relation to risk assessments and training.  RedCat Pub Company Ltd was fined £240,000 plus legal costs. 

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