Illegal gas worker misled customers

An illegal gas worker from Cornwall has been ordered to pay more than £11,000 in compensation and given a suspended prison sentence for carrying out illegal gas work that put homes at risk.

Truro Crown Court heard that, from January 2017 to October 2018, Darren Masters, trading as D Masters Plumbing and Heating Limited, carried out gas work at four homes in Newquay, Cornwall, despite not being registered.

The HSE investigation found that Mr Masters falsely claimed to customers that he was Gas Safe Registered and faked registration on documents. The HSE said he claimed to be competent to carry out gas work.

Darren Masters of Hannaford Close, St Columb Major, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(1), 3(3), 3(7) and 26(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998 as amended, and Section 33 (1) (c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Mr Masters was sentenced to 22-and-a-half months in prison, suspended for two years. He was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £11,902.00 in compensation plus costs of £9,068.50.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Paul Mannell said: “Darren Masters was in control of gas work despite not being Gas Safe registered. Shockingly, he misled residents about his credentials.”