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Rogue Gas Fitter Jailed for Carrying Out Unsafe Work
Date: 16 July 2025
Case: Antony Clifton of CS Appliance Repairs Ltd – sentenced at Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court
Sentence: 46 weeks in prison + £1,000 costs
Incident date: January 2022
Location: Drayton, Norwich, Norfolk
Suspended engineer presses on — and homeowners suffer
Despite being suspended from the Gas Safe Register, 52-year-old Antony Clifton continued carrying out gas installations at domestic properties. In January 2022, he fitted a cooker in a residential home in Drayton, Norwich—but left the inlet pipe leaking gas. The fault was discovered shortly after his visit, prompting emergency repair work (HSE Media Centre).
Clifton had previously received a prohibition notice from HSE preventing him from performing gas work. Despite this, he falsely claimed registration, putting homeowners in significant danger (HSE Media Centre).
Probe reveals serious regulatory breaches
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that the faulty installation created a gas escape risk. Proper checks and protections were not applied—a clear contravention of safety regulations and best practice. This was especially alarming given that Clifton was already known to be suspended from Gas Safe Register duties (HSE Media Centre).
Clifton pleaded guilty to breaches of Regulations 3(7) and 5(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. On 14 July 2025, he was sentenced to 46 weeks in prison and ordered to pay £1,000 in prosecution costs (HSE Media Centre).
Inspector’s strong warning
HSE inspector Martyn Webb emphasised:
“Antony Clifton knew that he was not registered and should not carry out any gas work. However, he showed a blatant disregard… his illegal actions meant the people living in that house could have been killed.” (HSE Media Centre)
He encouraged homeowners and tenants to always verify Gas Safe registration before allowing anyone to carry out gas-related servicing or installations.
Key lessons for stakeholders
| Lesson | Insight |
|---|---|
| Never ignore Gas Safe suspension | Registration isn’t optional—conducting gas work while suspended is dangerous and illegal. |
| Gas engineers must provide proof on arrival | A valid Gas Safe ID card and registration check should be confirmed before any work starts. |
| Regulatory compliance saves lives | Even a single lapse in safe installation can have catastrophic consequences. |
| Consumers hold power | Anyone hiring a gas engineer should refuse entry unless registration can be confirmed. |
Final thoughts
This case underscores the severity of unlicensed gas work and the serious consequences for professionals who flout regulations. Even routine installations become life-threatening when performed without valid registration and oversight.
Gas safety regulation exists for a reason—protecting lives. For anyone involved in domestic or commercial gas work, verifying credentials, adhering to regulations, and never cutting corners are essential. Likewise, homeowners and tenants should be empowered to check credentials before allowing anyone onto their property.
