The former deputy leader of a local authority was due in court yesterday to face 25 charges including four of potentially putting tenants at risk of death or serious injury in case of fire.

Raymond Singleton-McGuire faces the charges in relation to an HMO in Boston, Lincolnshire, the local paper has reported.

Charges include being the manager of an unlicensed HMO and failing to produce gas safety certificates.

Singleton-McGuire, who has been removed from his posts as deputy leader and finance portfolio holder at Boston Borough Council, is being taken to court by the council itself and Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

Singleton-McGuire set up SMG Property Co, which handles property lettings and management, in 1976.

Boston Borough Council, which has been running a Rogue Landlords initiative, earlier said that the legal action against Singleton-McGuire was being taken “in his personal capacity”for alleged breaches of housing legislation.

The Boston Standard report is here