Alert issued over fake gas fitters

Steven Paffett and Ben Leeming, who operated a Harrogate-based plumbing firm, have been handed suspended prison terms at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court for falsely claiming to be Gas Safe registered engineers.

The men, sole employees and directors of PH Plumbing and Heating Engineers Ltd, were found out when two householders complained separately to Gas Safe after having problems with work done at their homes.

Paffett, of St James Meadow, Boroughbridge, York, who admitted three breaches of gas safety regulations, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months. Leeming, of Frances Street, York, who pleaded guilty to three breaches of the regulations and one offence of contravening a prohibition notice, was also given six months jail suspended for 12 months. Both defendants also received 150 hours of community service.

Kate Dixon, inspector at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), said: “HSE would urge homeowners to be on their guard and make sure that all gas engineers are registered and safe to work in their home.”