A hotel chain has been fined £400,000 after a Staffordshire businessman fell to his death down a lift shaft.

Jarvis Hotels Ltd pleaded guilty under health and safety at work legislation following the death of the guest at the Learmonth Hotel in Edinburgh.

Richard Fareham, aged 61, fell on September 14, 2003, after becoming trapped and trying to escape.

He suffered a cardiac arrest and multiple injuries and was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but died.

A year-long investigation was carried out by the City of Edinburgh Council's Environmental and Consumer Services Health and Safety team, who discovered the lift had a history of unreliability.

It is understood the fine, imposed by Sheriff Isabel MacAuley at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, is one of the heaviest imposed after a local authority investigation.

Eric Robinson, head of regulatory services for the council, said: "It is unfortunate it takes a case like this to highlight how important it is businesses ensure their lifts are maintained in good working order.

"Businesses should also have safety procedures in place for passengers who become stuck in lifts and staff must be fully trained for such emergencies."

Jarvis Hotels Ltd was fined under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Provision of Use of Work Equipment Regulation 1998.

The hotel was sold in 2004 to Festival Inns who have since refurbished the lift to ensure it meets health and safety criteria. Jarvis Hotels Ltd refused to comment.