Courts / Dublin / Report
Stardust manager agrees he was told 'in no uncertain terms' that locking doors was unacceptable
Summary
In the inquest into the 1981 Stardust fire, manager Eamon Butterly admitted that months before the blaze he was told "in no uncertain terms" that locks and chains on exit doors were unacceptable when patrons were present. He also confirmed that he had declined to quote for fire insurance because he considered the fire risk "pretty horrendous." Butterly stated he stands over the company's malicious damage claim regarding the fire, while denying involvement in alleged threats to witnesses at the original 1981 tribunal. He explained that he had instructed staff that locks and chains should never be on exit doors, though he could not recall telling them directly. Butterly also claimed he was unaware of any electrical overloading or sparks observed by witnesses before the fire, and that the company had a financial interest in proving the damage was malicious. His testimony continues tomorrow.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Stardust manager agrees he was told 'in no uncertain terms' that locking doors was unacceptable. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 1980 Other
- September 4 Other
- November 1980 Other
- 2023-10-05 Publication
Why: The inquest jury also heard today a witness will give evidence that he declined to quote for fire insurance on the Stardust because "he considered the fire risk pretty horrendous". CNI source report
Places mentioned
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