United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Hotel caretaker died after tackling fire started by teenage sex worker
A caretaker at a London hotel died after fighting a fire that had been deliberately started in a bedroom on the day before he was due to retire.
Richard Staley, 65, collapsed from a heart attack after battling the flames at the Park Grand Paddington Court Hotel, near Hyde Park.
He was rushed to hospital where he remained in a coma for three weeks before losing his fight for life.
The story emerged as a teenage sex worker was jailed at the Old Bailey for six years for deliberately setting her bed alight after finding that a client she had picked up in a club the previous night had slipped out, leaving only half of her £300 fee.
The court 19-year-od heard Nora Es-Sadki Boughima had asked the hotel reception for a lighter 20 minutes before the fire started.
She was caught on CCTV leaving the hotel just before the fire alarms sounded at 2.50pm on January 30.
Detective Constable Mike Reilly, who investigated the fire, said: "Mr Staley had worked at the hotel for 18 years and was a very popular member of staff. His colleagues have been left deeply upset at his death."
He added: "As a result of her anger at not being paid, Es-Sadki Boughima sought her revenge by deliberately setting fire to the bed in the hotel room. This was a reckless act that endangered the lives of people in the hotel and neighbouring properties.
Es-Sadki Boughima, of Paddington, pleaded guilty to arson at Southwark crown court in March and admitted manslaughter at the Old Bailey last month. She was sentenced to six years in prison on Friday.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
Qatar Airways adding Manchester flights
EU entry-exit system delayed again
ATC strike in Greece could disrupt flights this week
Jet2 unveils Samos as new Greek destination for summer 2026
Carnival Cruise Line hosts Prague getaway for Fun Ambassadors