Story Highlight
– Unregistered gas installer sentenced for illegal work.
– Gas leak occurred at one property during installations.
– Installer issued false Gas Safety Certificate registration number.
– Sentenced to 12-month community order and £2,000 costs.
– Public reminded to use only registered gas engineers.
Full Story
A gas installer, operating without proper registration, has been handed a sentence following illegal gas-related work at two residences in Cheshire. This work, which spanned multiple incidents from 2021 to 2023, culminated in a gas leak at one location, leaving the homeowner without a functional appliance for an extended period.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) received reports about Scott Anthony Williams from the Gas Safe Register after an inspection revealed that the installation at one of the properties was conducted improperly. The inquiry soon uncovered that Williams had also undertaken similar work at another site and had provided a Gas Safety Certificate that bore a forged registration number.
According to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, individuals conducting gas work must be registered with Gas Safe and possess the requisite qualifications to prove their competency. It is a criminal offence to falsely claim registration as a Gas Safe engineer.
The public is being urged to ensure that all gas-related tasks are managed by certified professionals. The Gas Safe Register represents the official list of businesses legally recognised to perform work on gas appliances within the UK. For verification, consumers can visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk or contact 0800 408 5500 to confirm whether an engineer is registered.
It is worth noting that undertaking gas work without appropriate registration is illegal and poses serious risks, including potential gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
On 24 October 2025, Chester Magistrates’ Court held the sentencing hearing for Williams, a resident of Galbraith Close in Congleton. He entered a guilty plea concerning seven distinct violations of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. As part of his sentence, Williams was ordered to complete a 12-month community service requirement that includes 240 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he has been mandated to pay costs of £2,000 and a victim surcharge of £144.
HSE inspector Nicola Willcox commented on the case, stating, “This was a deliberate breach of gas safety legislation that put people at risk. All gas work must be undertaken by Gas Safe registered engineers. The public should always ask to see the gas engineer’s identification and check the registration number online to ensure it is valid.”
Gas engineers and the general public can reach the Gas Safe Register via several channels:
– Online: Gas Safe Register
– Telephone for Consumers: 0800 408 5500; for Engineers: 0800 408 5577
– Email: enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk
This prosecution was enabled by HSE enforcement lawyer Julian White and paralegal officer Sarah Thomas, with support from HSE Visiting Officers Sarah Ough and Natalka Heath.
The Health and Safety Executive serves as Britain’s principal regulator concerning workplace health and safety, emphasizing the protection of both individuals and environments. The HSE’s mission is to ensure that all individuals can pursue safer and healthier lives.
For further information on the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, guidance is available. The HSE promotes best practices in managing risks and conducting risk assessments in the workplace. Additional updates and news releases from the HSE can be accessed at press.hse.gov.uk.
It is important to underscore that the HSE does not administer penalties or set sentencing directives. Such decisions must adhere to established sentencing guidelines unless the court determines that diverging from these would better serve justice. The sentencing guidelines related to health and safety offences can be reviewed through official channels.
