Ex-Brookside star Olivier fined £20,000

Aug 14 2007

A LIVERPOOL soap star has become the first person in Liverpool to be prosecuted for breaking a strict new law aimed at raising standards in rented houses.

Philip Olivier, known to millions as Tinhead in Brookside, was fined £20,000 by magistrates for being the landlord of a multi-occupancy house – a property rented out to five or more people – without a licence.

Officials believe up to seven people were living at the property in Wellfield Road, Walton, which Olivier did not own but was the landlord of and received rent for.

Liverpool magistrates court heard Olivier broke new regulations which came into force last year, which require houses of three storeys or more and occupied by five or more unrelated people to be licensed by the council.

They were brought in following government research that showed people living in these types of property are 16 times more likely to die or be injured in a fire than people living in a single occupancy house.

In some areas in Liverpool this risk increases to 30 times.

The idea behind the law, introduced in April last year, is to raise standards.

Olivier, 27, of Back Commutation Row, Liverpool city centre, who appeared in court under his full name Philip Borg- Olivier, was the first person prosecuted by the council.

He was found guilty on two counts in relation to the Wellfield Road property and was also ordered to pay £250 costs.

It is understood the house has now been sold.

Council officials took action against Olivier after receiving a police tip-off.

Cllr Marilyn Fielding, executive member for housing, said: “This case sends out a serious message to landlords that they must make sure they comply with the law.

“We will take robust enforcement action against all landlords who ignore licensing.

“They have no excuse as this legislation has been widely publicised locally and nationally, so my advice to owners is to apply for a licence now or be prepared to face the consequences.”

Olivier, a former pupil of St Edwards College, West Derby, shot to fame playing Tinhead in Liverpool soap Brookside before starring in The Games, which he won, and Hollyoaks: In The City.

He is the grandson of former Maltese prime minister Giorgio Borg-Olivier.