A ROGUE trader has been handed a suspended prison sentence after carrying out illegal gas work in South Gloucestershire.

Christian Davis falsely claimed he was gas safe registered but had actually been removed from the register due to concerns about the standard of his work and his competency.

Trading as BS1 Plumbing and Heating, the 45-year-old carried out illegal work as part of the renovation of a mobile park home in Hallen between June and July 2020. 

Some of that work included the installation of pipework, a boiler and gas hob. 

The illegal work resulted in significant expenditure for the property owner.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that Davis had carried out the work while not registered with the Gas Safe Register.

He was handed a 48-week suspended prison sentence by a District Judge sitting at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 17. 

She told him he ‘could have killed someone’ and that she was relieved to find out he no longer held himself as competent to carry out gas work. 

It is understood Davis now runs a burger restaurant and has no connection to the plumbing and gas trade.

Christian Davis, formerly of Callington Road, Brislington, Bristol, pleaded guilty to breaching three separate charges of health and safety regulation.

Davis, now of Liberty Gardens, Bristol, was given a 48-week custodial sentence, suspended for two years.

He must also pay £3,000 in compensation to the homeowner and £5,000 in costs.

HSE inspector Alex Stobart, who led the investigation, said: "Those who undertake gas work without the relevant competence or qualifications put members of the public at risk of death or serious injury.

“We will hold rogue gas traders to account.

"Gas engineers must be registered with the Gas Safe Register, and we encourage the public to verify an engineer's credentials online.

“Unfortunately rogue traders such as Mr Davis continue to trade and undertake gas work without having the relevant registration, competence, or qualification required to perform gas work safely.”

Gazette Series: A securing clamp was missing from the chimney/flue with a gap clearly visible A securing clamp was missing from the chimney/flue with a gap clearly visible (Image: Health and Safety Executive)

Gazette Series: Bubbles can be seen emanating from the solder joint underneath the gas hobBubbles can be seen emanating from the solder joint underneath the gas hob (Image: Health and Safety Executive)

Gazette Series: The gas hob was found to be ‘immediately dangerous’ with a yellow flame due to improper combustion The gas hob was found to be ‘immediately dangerous’ with a yellow flame due to improper combustion (Image: Health and Safety Executive)