Brian Lloyd, from Ossett near Wakefield, was exposed in 2009 by the BBC's "Rogue Traders" for carrying out illegal gas work in homes. The self-employed plumber was under investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at the time and was then successfully prosecuted in February 2010, which resulted in a fine and a 17-week prison sentence that was suspended for 12 months.
However, Mr Lloyd removed an old boiler and gas fire from a house in Ossett and then installed a combination boiler in August 2010. This was in contravention of a Prohibition Notice issued by the HSE which prevented him from carrying out gas work until he was registered as a Gas Safe engineer. At the time of the work, he was also under his suspended sentence.
Unfortunately for Mr Lloyd, the new boiler didn't work and despite the fact that the householder had asked for a Gas Safe certificate and boiler warranty, they were not provided. Subsequently, the householder discovered that the boiler had never been registered with its manufacturer.
Following this, a Gas Safe engineer inspected the boiler and classified it as 'at risk', citing a list of faults that had to be rectified.
Mr Lloyd was ordered at Leeds Crown Court to pay court costs of £500 and was given a 12-month community order and ordered to do 250 hours unpaid work.
The chief executive of the Gas Safe Register, Paul Johnston, said, "Consumers should always check that an engineer is qualified to carry out gas work. Ask to see an up-to-date ID card and call us to check if you have any doubt. It is also important to check the back of the card to ensure that they are qualified to work on that type of appliance. If you have any doubts about the gas safety of any work you have done then contact Gas Safe Register to request a free inspection."
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