The landlord, Mr Pritchard, had moved to Thailand but was the "controlling director" of 3 companies that he had set up to manage his HMO properties in Wrexham, Wales. He had employed a manager to look after the properties but the manager "failed to adequately maintain or inspect" the 3 HMOs.

The Judge in the hearing found that the landlord was not able to properly manage his properties on a day to day basis from abroad; that there was a systemic failure to monitor maintenance at the properties and supervise staff; he relied on his property manager who failed to supervise staff and could provide no evidence of any property inspections having been carried out. The result was properties that did not meet acceptable standards and which presented "a clear risk of harm". Cllr. Terry Evans, the council's lead member for planning and public protection, said "This prosecution and fine should act as a deterrent to those landlords who neglecting their duty to ensure tenants are provided with a safe, warm and properly maintained property."