Unregistered Gas Installer Sentenced For Illegal Work In Hampshire

Bradley Willis Chambers was sentenced after carrying out unregistered gas work at two Hampshire homes between 2021 and 2022, causing dangerous defects and prolonged loss of hot water for one household; the case illustrates enforcement action by HSE and local Trading Standards and the need for routine checks on engineer registration.

Bradley Willis Chambers, aged 47, pleaded guilty to four offences under the Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations after removing and replacing boilers at two properties in Southsea and Tipner between 2021 and 2022 while not registered to do gas work. HSE found dangerous defects at both properties and one household, a single parent with a young child, was left without a working hot water appliance for an extended period. Concerns raised with the Gas Safe Register led to an HSE investigation which established he had not been registered to carry out gas work since 25 May 2016. He had previously faced HSE enforcement in 2012 and was removed from the Gas Safe register in 2016 for failing to demonstrate competence and to rectify defects.

Portsmouth City Council Trading Standards separately found him guilty of fraudulent trading against four victims and issued a Criminal Behaviour Order. At Portsmouth Crown Court on 23 July 2026 the judge imposed an eighteen month prison sentence, suspended for two years, a requirement to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and ordered payment of 600 pounds compensation to each victim together with the victim surcharge. HSE has prohibited him from undertaking gas work without registration.

For health and safety practitioners and duty holders the case is a reminder that unregistered gas work presents a real risk of gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning, and that regulators will pursue both criminal and civil remedies. Employers, landlords and consumers should always check an engineer is on the Gas Safe register, ask to see identification and verify the registration number before commissioning work. Concerns about rogue traders can be reported to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133, or fraud can be reported on 0300 123 2040, and consumers can check the Gas Safe Register by phoning 0800 408 5500.

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