Illegal gas fitter caused water to flood into gas pipes and meter
An illegal gas fitter from Peterborough has been given a suspended prison sentence after he carried out gas work in Peterborough.
Peterborough Magistrates’ Court heard that Anthony Rice, trading as Rice Plumbing and Oil Heating, replaced a gas boiler and altered the gas pipework at a house on Edwalton Avenue in January 2023. However, he connected the gas supply to the water supply, which caused flooding to the gas pipes and gas meter.
Gas engineers from Cadent attended and had to pump water from the emergency control valve and replace the gas meter. Cadent also classified the boiler installation as Immediately Dangerous and capped the gas supply, then notifying HSE.
The HSE investigation confirmed with Gas Safe Register that Mr Rice has never been registered and had no gas training or qualifications.
Anthony Rice, of Fullbridge Road, Werrington, Peterborough, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(1) and 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and Section 33(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for six months, and ordered to pay £3,000 in costs.
