Paul Jowett, 40, of Nelson Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft, admitted five breaches of gas and health and safety regulations when he appeared at Ipswich Crown Court.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Mr Jowett carried out work on gas fittings and appliances at a number of addresses in the Lowestoft area between May 2009 and October 2010 without being registered to do so, a legal requirement for carrying out such work. Mr Jowett falsely told householders he was registered and used an invalid registration number on the safety certificates he issued.
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One piece of work carried out by Mr Jowett at the Red Rose Indian restaurant in Lowestoft was judged by a qualified engineer to be so dangerous it represented "an immediate danger to life or property". As a result of leaking gas, the restaurant was forced to close for two days.
In addition, the court heard that Mr Jowett continued to do work on gas appliances despite a written warning from HSE and being served with a Prohibition Notice on 22 April 2010.
Mr Jowett admitted three charges of breaching Regulation 3 (3) of the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998, one offence under Regulation 3 (1) of the same regulations, and a separate charge of breaching section 33 (1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was sent to prison for six months.
(CD/GK)
