Homeless man denied hotel room sparks legal fight, charity probe
A charity’s prepaid room for a homeless man was refused by a Holiday Inn Express in Glasgow. The refusal led to police involvement and a legal review, while the charity faces internal scrutiny over its procedures.
The night Calumn Donaghey was turned away from a Holiday Inn Express in Glasgow’s city centre, he wasn’t just denied shelter—he was handed a trauma that would ripple through the city’s homeless services.
Donaghey, 38, had arrived at the hotel with a reservation paid for by Simon Community Scotland, a leading homelessness charity. Staff at the 24-hour reception refused entry, citing an alleged breach of the hotel’s terms despite the booking being confirmed. Police were called, and Donaghey spent the night outside in freezing temperatures.
💡 Pro Tip
Hotels should verify charity bookings with written confirmation 24 hours in advance to prevent last-minute disputes.
Simon Community Scotland has since launched an internal review into its referral process, while the Holiday Inn Express has declined to comment, citing ongoing legal advice. The charity confirmed that Donaghey was placed in emergency accommodation the following day, but the damage was done.
- 📊 78% of homelessness charities in Scotland report at least one incident of refused hotel placements annually
- 🔍 Donaghey’s case has prompted calls for mandatory training on homelessness protocols for hotel staff
- ⚠️ Police logs show 47 similar incidents in Glasgow since October 2023, with no formal charges filed
The Scottish Government has now pledged £1.2 million to fund a review of emergency accommodation policies, with a focus on preventing repeat incidents. Donaghey, who suffers from chronic health conditions exacerbated by his homelessness, is considering legal action against the hotel.
| Stakeholder | Response | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Community Scotland | Internal review launched; no further comment | Ongoing |
| Holiday Inn Express | No statement due to legal advice | Pending |
| Glasgow City Council | Emergency accommodation arranged for Donaghey | Resolved |
| Police Scotland | Incident logged; no charges | Closed |
Legal experts warn the case could set a precedent for future disputes between hotels and charities. ‘This isn’t just about one man’s rights—it’s about the system’s ability to protect the most vulnerable,’ said Jane Campbell, a solicitor specialising in homelessness law.
Key Points
- ✅ Charity-backed hotel booking refused, leading to police involvement
- ⚡ Charity launches internal review amid scrutiny over procedures
- 💡 Scottish Government commits £1.2M to review emergency accommodation policies
Donaghey’s ordeal has reignited debates over Glasgow’s winter shelter capacity, which saw a 22% increase in demand this December. Activists argue the city’s emergency response system is overstretched, with hotels increasingly used as stopgaps. ‘We’re patching a broken system,’ said a spokesperson for Homeless Network Scotland.
📋 By The Numbers
- £1.2 million — Funding allocated for emergency accommodation policy review
- 22% — Surge in Glasgow’s winter shelter demand, December 2023
- 47 — Police-logged incidents of refused hotel placements since October 2023