For several years, Bradford Magistrates’ Court was told, Gareth Harland had been a registered gas fitter.
And before setting up as a sole trader he had been employed by a number of large companies.
In June 2010 he allowed his registration to lapse, but continued to work as a gas installer.
Then, between 2 January and 2 February 2011, he fitted a new boiler for a couple in Otley. When he failed to contact the manufacturer about the warranty, they realised he was no longer accredited by the Gas Safe Register.
Later, between 19 and 27 February he fitted a new boiler at the home of an elderly woman, but omitted to seal the flue to the building. Unhappy with his work, the woman also contacted Gas Safe.
An inspection classified the work as “at risk”, and the woman was able to stop her cheque to Mr Harland.
In March, while his work was still under investigation, Mr Harland re-registered with Gas Safe.
Then in June, now under the supervision of the Gas Safe Register, he installed a gas boiler at a commercial firm in Bradford. Gas Safe inspected, and found his work to be unsafe.
“The failure of Mr Harland to maintain his registration,” said HSE inspector Julian Franklin, “and the fact that his work fell well below the standard expected, demonstrates an unacceptable degree of carelessness that left people, including a vulnerable elderly woman, in danger.”
After admitting four charges under the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998, Gareth Harland of Milligan Avenue, Bradford, was sentenced to a 12 months community order of 200 hours unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay £1,000 costs and a further £350 in compensation to the Otley householder for work that had to be re-done.
