Man jailed and grandson fined for illegal and dangerous gas work

By gregory nelsonSeptember 14, 2015

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A man has been jailed for 26 weeks and his grandson fined thousands of pounds for carrying out illegal and dangerous gas work in Doncaster.

Michael Atkinson installed a new boiler at a house in Fairfield Court, under the direction of his grandfather, Graham Atkinson.

The latter’s registration with Gas Safe had expired and Michael’s own registration was only applicable to work he carried out for his employer.

The Health and Safety Executive investigated and Doncaster magistrates heard that the work (in October 2012) was dangerous – a flue was fitted incorrectly.

During its investigation, HSE also discovered that Graham Atkinson, 70, had carried out dangerous work on two flats in the town.

Prosecuted by HSE, Graham Atkinson, of Pickering Road, Bentley, pleaded guilty to three offences and not guilty to two others. After a trial in June, he was found guilty on both counts. On 11 September, he was jailed for a total of 26 weeks and must pay £3,000 towards HSE prosecution costs, as well as an £80 victim surcharge.

Michael Atkinson, 29, of Church Lane, Bessacarr, pleaded guilty in April to two offences under Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations.

At a hearing in July, he was fined a total of £5,000 and must pay £1,190 towards HSE prosecution costs and a £120 victim surcharge.

HSE inspector Mark Welsh, who investigated this case, said:

“Graham Atkinson should not have been carrying out or overseeing any gas work and should have been well aware of this fact.

“He displayed a deliberate and reckless disregard for the law, putting owners and tenants of three properties at risk.

“He deceived those involved into thinking that work was being carried out by a competent Gas Safe registered engineer and he carried out defective work that could have resulted in someone being seriously injured or even killed.

“Michael Atkinson should not have been carrying out gas work in his own name and should have been well aware of this fact.

“This case should be a reminder that HSE will take action when the law is flouted.”