UPDATE: Police have responded to a troubling incident at the Mercure Hotel in Orange, where a damaged smoke alarm raised alarms late last month. Sharmayne Welsh, a resident of Whalan in Western Sydney, has been convicted for intentionally damaging property after a series of dramatic events unfolded on June 15, 2025.
Authorities were alerted to a persistent activation of smoke alarms at the hotel around 11:30 AM on June 15. Upon investigation, the maintenance manager identified the smoke alarm in Welsh’s room as the source of the issue. Shockingly, the alarm was found broken and stored in the fridge.
Welsh, who was staying in the room from June 13 to June 15, returned to the scene while police were present and claimed she discovered the alarm in its damaged state. Despite her assertions, police noted the presence of used cigarettes and smoke packets in the room, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding the alarm’s destruction.
Statements from hotel staff and visual evidence corroborating the damage led to Welsh’s conviction at the Orange Local Court on July 17, 2025. Represented by solicitor Laura Horton, Welsh pleaded guilty in her absence. The court, presided over by Magistrate Gary Wilson, imposed a fine of $250 for her actions, which were deemed reckless.
This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining fire safety standards in public accommodations. As hotel guests, individuals bear the responsibility to ensure that safety devices remain functional and intact. Welsh’s case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of negligence.
As authorities continue to emphasize fire safety, this event raises awareness about the hazards posed by disregarding smoke alarm protocols. Future guests at the Mercure Hotel, and others like it, are urged to remain vigilant and report any issues immediately.
Stay tuned for further developments on this story as it unfolds.
