A home in Hexham was among five properties where an unregistered gas fitter carried out work later described as dangerous and sub-standard, with the potential to cause gas leaks, fires, explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Alexander Robson, 38, of Fenham, advertised his business on Facebook across the North East despite no longer being on the Gas Safe Register. The work investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) took place between June and September 2024 at properties in Newcastle, Blyth, Ryton, Hexham and Winlaton.
Work carried out at five homes
Robson traded under several names, including GasnHeat Plumberz and North East Renocationz. The work involved boiler replacements, installing gas pipework, carrying out gas work on boilers and gas fires, and disconnecting gas appliances.
The HSE investigation found that Robson’s work was not only illegal because he was not registered, but also potentially unsafe for people living in the homes. The source report said incorrectly completed gas work could lead to “gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning”.
Robson had previously been registered, but that registration ended on February 1, 2024. He continued working for months after he was no longer registered, the HSE investigation found.
He pleaded guilty to 10 breaches of the Gas Safe (Installation and Use) Regulations 1999.
Suspended sentence and compensation
At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, Robson was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. He must also complete a six-month mental health treatment requirement and 30 days of rehabilitation activity with the probation service.
The court also ordered him to pay £650 in compensation and prosecution costs.
Robson had used flyers carrying the Gas Safe logo even though he was not registered, as well as promoting his services through social media. The HSE said the conduct had been carried out openly.
“These breaches were carried out brazenly and in the open using social media and faking the Gas Safe logo to tout for business.”
That was the assessment of HSE inspector Darian Dundas, who warned that customers may not have known they were employing someone unable to carry out the work safely.
“Little did people know what they were signing up for when they asked him for help; a rogue trader who was not competent to safely carry out the work.”
Advice for Hexham residents
The HSE said all gas work must be completed by engineers registered with the Gas Safe Register. Residents arranging work on boilers, gas fires or gas pipework should ask to see the engineer’s identification and check the registration number online before work begins.
Mr Dundas warned that when gas work is not completed to the required standard, the consequences can be deadly.
“The public should always ask to see the gas engineer’s identification and check the registration number online.”
The case followed an HSE investigation into work at the five homes, including the property in Hexham.