A plumber who was caught carrying out illegal gas work by BBC's Rogue Traders has been jailed after ignoring a previous order to stop.

Andrew John Carslake, 42, who traded as Aqua Plumbing, admitted breaching health and safety laws at Chelmsford Crown Court.

In 2008, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) received a complaint from a householder concerning gas work undertaken by Mr Carslake of Upper Bridge Road, Chelmsford. He was served with a prohibition notice ordering him not to carry out further gas work until he registered with CORGI - now Gas Safe Register - or was supervised by another registered gas engineer.

However Mr Carslake ignored the notice and continued to carry out further illegal gas work - and was caught on camera in July 2009 breaking the law by the BBC consumer affairs programme.


Mr Carslake admitted breaching Section 33 (1) (g) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was sentenced to a six month term of imprisonment. He also admitted breaching regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 for which he was sentenced to an additional six month term of imprisonment to be served concurrently.

HSE Inspector Toni Drury said: "It is illegal for an unregistered person to carry out work on any gas appliances. When unregistered workers try to bypass the law in this way they are not only putting themselves at risk of prosecution and a large fine, they are also putting their customers' lives at risk.

"HSE served Mr Carslake with a prohibition notice to protect the public's safety but he chose to ignore it. Failure to comply with a prohibition notice is a serious offence which HSE will pursue through the courts.

"Working with gas appliances is difficult, specialised and potentially very dangerous. Only qualified and registered engineers should attempt it. HSE will not hesitate to prosecute those who break the law in this way."

(CD)