An Exeter-based plumber has been given a suspended jail sentence after undertaking illegal gas work which left a customers home in a 'dangerous state'.

Colin Jones, 59, of Linda Close, Exeter, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(3) and 26(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

He was given a 32-week prison sentence suspended for two years.

In addition, he was fined £2,000 with £692 in costs.

Exeter Magistrates' Court heard how Mr Jones moved a gas meter and connected a new gas boiler, which had been fitted by a registered engineer, as part of refurbishment works at the property in The Mede, Exeter.

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Shortly after this work was completed, the homeowners smelt gas and called Wales and West Utilities, who discovered two gas leaks, one on the gas meter supply pipe and one on the gas pipe from the meter to the boiler.

The situation was classed as 'immediately dangerous' as had the leaking gas ignited, there was a real risk of an explosion.

HSE Inspector Simon Jones said: "Colin Jones put his customers' lives at risk by carrying out work on gas pipes and a gas meter which he was not legally entitled to do.

"A gas meter and a gas pipe that he installed were found to be leaking gas which is an incredibly dangerous situation and it is only by sheer good fortune that the escaping gas did not ignite.

"All domestic gas work must be done by registered Gas Safe engineers to ensure the highest standards are met to prevent injury and loss of life."

(LM/MH)