Illegal gas engineer sentenced for fraudulent gas work

A gas engineer has been sentenced for conducting gas work while unregistered and producing false paperwork.

Exeter Crown Court heard how on 16 March 2019, Peter Strudwick completed a commercial gas safety check at a take-away business in Teignmouth. He undertook the work illegally using the Gas Safe registration number from his employer.

Concerns were raised when an officer from Teignbridge District Council attended the take-away premises regarding gas safety issues and found irregularities. Subsequent visits by correctly registered engineers found numerous concerns with the gas appliances at the takeaway.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Mr Strudwick was not registered with Gas Safe Register to carry out the gas safety check in his own right. He used a false gas registration number belonging to his employer on the paperwork submitted.

Peter Strudwick of Palk Close, Shaldon, Teignmouth pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and of Section 33(1(l) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He has been sentenced to 10 months imprisonment for each offence, suspended for 12 months.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Simon Jones said: “Mr Strudwick undertook a gas safety check which he knew he was not registered to do.
“He falsely used his employer’s Gas Safe Register details to deceive people into believing his work was legitimate.
“All gas work must be done by a registered Gas Safe engineer to ensure the highest standards are met to prevent injury and loss of life.”

Source HSE Website 23/03/2021