A woman sexually assaulted at a Travelodge has blasted the hotel giant’s CEO for ditching a vital meeting with MPs. The survivor called the no-show “quite shocking.”
Security Screw-Up Led to Attack
The horrific assault happened in December 2022 after Travelodge staff handed the attacker, Kyran Smith, a key card to the woman’s room. Smith pretended to be her boyfriend. He was jailed for seven and a half years in February.
The victim, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, revealed staff granted Smith access just by taking his word for it.
Starmer Slams CEO for Dodging Parliament
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer blasted Travelodge chief Jo Boydell in a stern letter this month. He said he was “very concerned” she cancelled a crucial meeting with MPs about the “utterly appalling” assault.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, the brave 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 Scrambles with Apologies and Excuses
Boydell publicly apologised and promised quick changes to door key policies. She claimed hotel rooms with key cards also have deadbolts but admitted: “something went wrong.”
She disclosed other cases of unauthorised room entries but insisted they were unrelated to this attack.
The survivor called the deadbolt claims “deflection,” saying she had locked her door the night of the assault.
Boydell admitted the victim may have felt “dismissed” but said the company is “definitely listening.” She also apologised for an initial £30 compensation offer she called “insulting.”
The woman is now taking legal action against Travelodge.
Independent Review to Probe Security Failings
MPs have been invited to join an independent review led by barrister Paul Greaney KC. The investigation will examine Travelodge’s room security and how they handled the incident. It will involve a top violence against women and girls expert.
