Yorkshire plumber jailed after illegal gas work on elderly woman's home

As a result of this, she believed that Mr Shaw was able to work on gas appliances. At the request of the woman, who was 77 at the time, Mr Shaw then removed an existing gas boiler and installed a new combination boiler at a total cost of £1,157.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that Mr Shaw was not registered with the Gas Safety Register, a legal requirement whilst carrying out gas work.

His work at the woman’s home was subsequently investigated by Gas Safety Register staff, who identified several issues. Some of these issues were deemed as ‘at risk,’ meaning they could be a danger to life or the property in the future.

Mr Shaw had previously been prohibited from carrying out gas work by HSE and had subsequently been investigated and prosecuted for similar illegal gas work, resulting in a custodial sentence in 2015.

Christopher Roland Shaw, of Leeds pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Section 33(1)(g) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Regulations 3(1) and 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

He was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Leeds Crown Court on February 9, this year.

HSE inspector Darian Dundas said: “Whilst checks could have been made with Gas Safe Register to identify whether Mr Shaw was registered and competent to carry out the gas works prior to any work being undertaken, Mr Shaw knew that he was not allowed to do this work.

“The carrying out of illegal gas works will not be tolerated and will be investigated fully with offenders being brought to justice.”

The story is a warning to home and business owners to ensure that the plumbers and gas engineers they hire are Gas Safe registered.