Fire deaths landlord faces jail

The basement flat had bars across the windows

A landlord has been convicted of perjury over evidence he gave to an inquiry into the deaths of two students in a fire at a flat in Glasgow.

Harry Singh, 48, has faces a lengthy jail term when he is sentenced at the city's sheriff court in two weeks time.

He was found guilty by a jury of lying under oath at a fatal accident inquiry in September 2000 into the deaths of James Fraser and Daniel Heron, both 20.

Giving evidence to the inquiry, Singh insisted the flat had a working smoke alarm when the two moved in the previous February, a claim rejected after just 15 minutes' consideration by the jury on Friday.

This honours James's memory and now we can really put him to rest

Lucy Fraser
Dead student's mother

Singh, 48, a father-of-two from Newlands, Glasgow, slouched in the dock after being convicted.

His lawyer, Peter Gray QC, asked Sheriff Kenneth Maciver to continue his bail for two weeks.

He added: "It is obvious that your lordship is considering a custodial sentence in relation to this charge. Your lordship will obviously require reports before passing sentence.

"I therefore ask you to continue his bail so he can put his personal affairs in order."

'Very serious crime'

But Sheriff Maciver remanded him in custody and said: "You have been convicted of a very serious crime and I must tell you I am considering a lengthy custodial sentence."

The inquiry heard that the basement flat in Melrose Street, Woodlands, had metal bars over the windows which prevented the occupants from escaping.

At the time the inquiry also heard from James' mother Lucy who told of how her son died only hours after he phoned to ask her to bring smoke alarms to the basement flat at Melrose Street, Woodlands, Glasgow.

Harry Singh: Properties in west end

Singh once claimed to make only £30,000 per year from his numerous properties in the west end of Glasgow.

After the verdict, James's parents spoke of their relief at the verdict.

Mrs Fraser said: "It has been a very emotional week for the two of us. It has been full of ups and downs.

"When we saw the QC we were convinced he would able to get Singh off with the charge.

"We are grateful for what the jury did today. Families should be able to send their children in the city safe in the knowledge that they are living in safe accommodation.

"This honours James's memory and now we can really put him to rest."