Michael Compton, a parish councillor in Blunsdon, illegally removed a gas boiler and installed a new one at a property at Exmouth Street, Swindon between 19 March and 30 April 2012. Mr Compton was not registered with Gas Safe Register and should not have carried out any type of gas work.
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In a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Swindon Magistrates' Court heard that Mr Compton had told the householder that his colleague would sign-off the work and provide a guarantee. However, Mr Compton's failing came to light when the colleague refused to sign the guarantee on his behalf.
HSE also found that Mr Compton been cautioned before for carrying out illegal gas work and had signed a letter to state that he would not carry out such work in future.
Michael Compton, of Widhill Lane, Blunsdon, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and was fined a total of £5,000 and ordered to pay £1,840 in costs.
(CD/GK)
