Expert Witness Journal Issue 64 December 2025 - Flipbook - Page 98
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The leaching process e昀昀ectively enriches the
microenvironment:
ɿ Sodium salts maintain moisture.
ɿ Calcium becomes bioavailable in the
damp pore sodium depleted water.
ɿ Organic paper facings provide carbon
substrate.
Mr. Glenn Horton
Consultant Fire Engineers
Chartered Fire Engineers, Chartered Members
of IFE & CABE, Prof M SFPE MEWI
Together, this creates a nutrient-rich, moist niche
ideal for colonization.
A significant portion of my workload is comprised of numerous cases involving the
use of combustible materials in the build-up of external walls, alongside other
alleged fire safety deficiencies. My instructions generally involve compliance with
guidance, regulations and contracts, organising fire tests for systems and materials.
Forensic Housing Context:
I specialise in the application of Part B of Building Regulations, the Regulatory
Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005& the design and installation of fire fighting
systems in England and Wales. Taking instruction in relation to the cause, origin and
spread of fire and have worked on a number of significant matters in this field.
Bleach treatments on gypsum board can
unintentionally worsen long-term risk as they leave
hygroscopic sodium residues. Which is leached
through structural defects. which alters ion balance,
making calcium more accessible. Which masks
visible mould temporarily but set up conditions
for regrowth once the sodium is reduced by the
application of bleaching and structural defects
leaching.
I have extensive experience including the preparation of reports under CPR for
Civil and Criminal cases and an extensive CV of cases and formal instructions, as
well as attendance at court, adjudications and mediations
I have worked throughout the UK (including the Channel Isles & Scotland), Asia,
Europe and Africa. Specialising in working with clients who have fire safety issues,
whether they be civil or criminal matters.
Recent cases include: Provision of expert support arising out of construction
defects, exposing our client to potential prosecution due to alleged non-compliant
external wall build-up; expert reports following post-fire prosecution; application
to have a formal notice withdrawn, contractual disputes between landlords and
tenants.
In investigations, 昀椀nding salt e昀툀orescence +
renewed mould growth is a strong indicator of prior
bleach use and subsequent leaching. Bleach doesn’t
just fail to eradicate Stachybotrys chartarum, it can
prime gypsum systems for recolonization by creating
a damp, calcium, ion-rich environment which
supports colonisation of Stachybotrys Chartarum.
The apparent “cleaning with bleach” e昀昀ect is shortlived, while the biochemical and moisture dynamics
favour mould resurgence in the long term.
I have been involved in fire safety since 1981, initially as fire officer, then
subsequently as a fire consultant and engineer.
Contact: HH Legal Support | Telephone: +44 (0)207 193 2990
Mobile: +44 (0)797 091 4416 | Email: glennhorton@HHlegalsupport.com
Website: www.hhlegalsupport.com
Mr Mark Hinnells
Fiduciary Duty – challenges as to whether Trustees
or Directors have met their Fiduciary Duty in
considering ESG, environment or climate change in
investment decisions and risk management. Mark
has a particular interest in pensions and other funds
in multiple jurisdictions.
Climate Change Expert
PhD MSc MA BA
Dr Mark Hinnells is an Energy and Climate
Change Expert, he has over 33 years
academic and consulting experience in
energy policy, energy strategy, project
development and climate finance, and
uses this to undertake expert witness
instructions to aid arbitration, litigation, or
public inquiry.
His expertise covers:
Planning law – where the impact of a planning application on
UK climate change targets may be material. Such proposals
include airports, roads, oil and gas and power generation
proposals. Mark has particular experience with appeals and
public inquiries at airports acting both for airports and Local
Planning Authorities.
Greenwashing – assembling a case against a claim,
or defending the accuracy of claims made by,
financial institutions retailers or producers.
Challenges to Government policy – including under
the Climate Change Act, carbon budgets, policy
impact assessments, efficacy, proportionality, cost
etc
Human rights and climate change – including
where rights are claimed to have been infringed
through lack of appropriate action.
For instructions involving several different
environmental impacts he works closely with Ricardo
Energy and Environment and others.
Email: mark.hinnells@susenco.com | Telephone: 01865 600161 | Website: www.susenco.com
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
95
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025-2026
