A bogus gas fitter from Manchester has been prosecuted after being caught illegally carrying work out at a property in Grimsby.

James O'Neill of Grangethorpe Drive, Burnage, pleaded guilty to two breaches of Regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 at Grimsby Magistrates Court.

Magistrates heard he illegally fitted a gas central heating boiler in a home on Litchfield Road, between 22 January and 29 February 2008 when not Gas Safe registered (formerly CORGI).


When the work was checked for safety by the gas registration body, numerous defects were found.

Mr O'Neill, 27, who lived in Cleethorpes at the time of the offence, was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs following the prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

After the case HSE again urged homeowners to be vigilant when having gas work carried out on their properties.

HSE Inspector Gareth Lewis said: "We urge homeowners to be on their guard when having gas work carried out at their properties and to always check the fitter is on the Gas Safe Register. In this instance Mr O'Neill installed a gas central heating boiler at the property when he was not gas safe registered.

"HSE will not hesitate in prosecuting individuals who carry out gas work without proper accreditation, break the law and endanger lives in this way."

(CD/BMcC)