A plumber has received a hefty fine after he admitted to doing illegal work on gas boilers

Anthony Grove pleaded guilty to working on a gas boiler in Southend despite not having passed the appropriate gas training courses or commercial gas courses and not being registered as a Gas Safe engineer.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation discovered that Anthony Grove had originally been employed to undertake plumbing work on two houses but also replaced old boilers after providing false registration details.

Both homeowners complained about his work to Gas Safe, who subsequently notified the HSE, and it was revealed that the engineering work which had been carried out was incorrect and in one case immediately dangerous.

Furthermore, different companies were found to have employed Mr Grove as a gas fitter between February 2000 and February 2008 even though he was not registered with Gas Safe.

Mr Grove was served a Prohibition Notice, to stop him carrying out further unregistered gas work, fined £850 and ordered to pay £500 in costs.

HSE Inspector Steve Hook, said: "When unqualified workers try to bypass the law in this way they are not only putting themselves at risk of prosecution and a large fine, they are also putting their customers' lives at risk.

"Working with gas appliances is difficult, specialised and potentially very dangerous. Only qualified and registered engineers should attempt it."

Mr Grove will be able to undertake gas work once he was passed the appropriate gas training courses and become an officially registered engineer.

Homeowners should be aware that people who have passed plumbing courses are not always qualified to attempt gas jobs.

Chief executive of Gas Safe Register Paul Johnston added that homeowners should always make sure that a person is Gas Safe registered before they allow them to undertake gas work on their property.

"You shouldn't take any risks, badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause fires, explosions, gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning," Mr Johnston said.

A young female plumber from London gained positive coverage for the industry by winning a regional award after completing plumbing courses, reported the Enfield Independent.

Natasha McDonald was presented with an adult learners' week regional award for her work as a plumber in the Haringey area.

She told the newspaper: "I was so happy to win an award as I've just been doing what I enjoy."

Ms McDonald's services were often specifically requested by elderly residents who prefer a female plumber.