A woman sexually assaulted at a Travelodge has slammed the hotel giant’s chief executive for cancelling a crucial meeting with MPs. The survivor described the no-show as “quite shocking.”
Assault Horror Triggered By Security Failures
The attack happened in December 2022 when Kyran Smith was handed a key card to the victim’s room by the Travelodge reception. Smith, who falsely claimed to be the woman’s boyfriend, was jailed for seven and a half years in February.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said staff told her Smith had passed their security checks simply by giving her name.
Starmer Steps In After CEO Bails
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer penned a tough letter this month to Travelodge chief Jo Boydell, expressing “very concerned” over her decision to ditch a meeting with MPs about the “utterly appalling” assault.
Speaking to Good Morning Britain, the survivor said:
“If you are the CEO of a company, you have a responsibility to answer these questions and say how you’re going to improve. You’re not protecting people. I find it quite shocking.”
Travelodge Apologies and Deflections
Ms Boydell apologised publicly and promised swift changes to door key policies. She insisted hotels with key cards have deadbolts but admitted: “something went wrong.”
She also revealed other cases of unauthorised room entries, but claimed they were different from this assault.
The survivor dismissed claims there were deadbolts as “deflection,” insisting she locked her door the night it happened.
Ms Boydell admitted the victim might have felt “dismissed” but said the company is “definitely listening.” She also apologised for an initial £30 compensation offer, which she called “insulting.”
The woman is now taking legal action against Travelodge.
Independent Review To Address Security Failings
MPs have been invited to participate in an independent review led by barrister Paul Greaney KC. The probe will scrutinise Travelodge’s room security and response to the incident, involving a leading violence against women and girls expert.
