The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted an unregistered gas fitter from Swindon for carrying out unsafe work on a boiler and putting the householder at risk.
Michael Compton, who is a parish councillor in Blunsdon, illegally removed a gas boiler and installed a new one at a property at Exmouth Street, Swindon, between 19 March and 30 April 2012. He was not registered with Gas Safe Register and should not have carried out any type of gas work.

Swindon Magistrates' Court heard that Mr Compton had told the householder that his colleague would sign-off the work and provide a guarantee. However, the colleague refused to sign the guarantee on Mr Compton's behalf.

HSE also found that Mr Compton been previously cautioned for carrying out illegal gas work and had signed a letter to say that he would not undertake such work in the future.

He pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £1,840 in costs.

After the hearing, HSE Inspector Ian Whittles, said: 'Mr Compton's dangerous boiler work could have led to injury or even a fatality. He chose to disregard the previous caution, ignored his commitment not to take on further illegal gas work and then expected a colleague to sign-off his shoddy work.'