A Blackpool hotel owner nicknamed ‘Basil Fawlty’ has been jailed for running a “death trap” which breached 15 fire and safety regulations.

Peter Metcalf, 51, ran the 90-room New Kimberley Hotel into the ground over a seven year period, according to the Mirror.

Customers who complained about the lack of running water, caved-in ceilings, filthy kitchen, dangerous wiring, safety exits nailed shut, or a litany of other issues were met with aggressive Basil Fawlty-esque temper tantrums.

On travel website TripAdvisor, one former guest said of their stay:

“If you want a drunken weekend where you can drink cans of lager with your breakfast, keep other guests awake with your sexual grunts and groans and wallow in filth go ahead and book.”

Another called it:

“The worst place I have ever been in my life”

The hotel was finally shut down by the council last month, with Alex Bracken, Blackpool Council’s housing enforcement manager, describing the building as a “death trap”.

Metcalf was found guilty of 15 breaches of fire and safety regulations at Preston Crown Court and sentenced to 18 months in jail and a £5,243 fine.