Illegal gas fitter showed complete disregard for safety

An illegal gas fitter who flouted a Prohibition Notice has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Preston Crown Court heard that 57-year-old Mehmet Kalyoncu from Blackpool installed various gas appliances and pipework at an address in the seaside town. Concerns were raised about his work to Gas Safe Register, whose investigators visited the property and found gas fittings left in an unsafe condition.

The HSE’s investigation uncovered that, despite it having previously given Mr Kalyoncu a Prohibition Notice, he continued to carry out unregistered and unsafe gas work, putting members of the public at considerable risk from unsafe gas fittings and appliances.

Mehmet Kalyoncu, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to breaching section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Regulations 3(3) and 6(2) of the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay costs of £600.

HSE principal inspector Caroline Shorrock said: “Mehmet Kalyoncu showed a complete disregard for the safety of the public. He carried out unsafe gas work that put people at risk.

“The fact he had already been served with a notice to not do this unless Gas Safe registered makes this case even worse.”