A builder has been fined after carrying out illegal gas work at a home in Suffolk.

David Liptrott, from Stonham near Stowmarket, was hired to extend a kitchen and replace an LPG-fired boiler at a house in Charles Tye, Ringshall in August 2013.

Mr Liptrott undertook the work even though he was not registered with the Gas Safe Register.

On 7 July Bury St Edmunds Magistrates' Court heard that when the contract for the work was agreed, Mr Liptrott claimed to be trading as a limited company, DPB Building services.co.uk.

However, this company had been dissolved in December 2012.

As part of the work, Mr Liptrott removed the old boiler and fitted a new boiler assisted by his son.

The homeowners became concerned by the poor standard of work and safety of the new boiler.

Trading Standards officers along with the Gas Safe Register were alerted by the residents.

The boiler was examined by an investigator and found to be leaking gas.

It was classified as 'Immediately Dangerous', with numerous other 'At Risk' faults also recorded.

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Further investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) along with Trading Standards discovered there was also evidence of unsafe and dangerous electrical work.

In 2008, trading as D Liptrott & Sons, Mr Liptrott had also been the subject of a CORGI report, receiving a written warning from HSE for carrying out unsafe gas work at an address in Ely, Cambridgeshire.

The Suffolk builder was sentenced to nine months in prison suspended for 15 months.

Mr Liptrott was ordered to pay his victims compensation of over £27,000. Failing to pay this order within 12 months, he will be jailed for 15 months.

The builder was also ordered to pay £16,000 costs after being found guilty to two breaches of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, one breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and three breaches of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

HSE Inspector Anthony Brookes said: "Having been previously warned about undertaking gas work when unregistered, David Liptrott should have known better than to accept a job he was not qualified, competent, or legally allowed to do.

"People can die as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning and gas explosions. It is therefore vital that only registered gas engineers, who are trained and competent, work on gas appliances and fittings.

"This prosecution shows the willingness of enforcement agencies to work together to bring unscrupulous traders that put safety at risk to justice."

Councillor Colin Spence, the council’s cabinet member for public protection, said: "This case is a prime example of the great work that can be done when Suffolk Trading Standards and other agencies pool their expertise and resources.

"Together, they’ve ensured this rogue trader has been brought to justice."

(LM/CD)