The dodgy gas fitter who put people's lives at risk

[dutchman]

An inspection at one address led to Harcharan Sembi’s work there being classed as ‘immediately dangerous’



An incompetent gas-fitter put people’s lives at risk by continuing to carry out work at houses in Coventry and Bedworth despite being banned from doing so.

An inspection at one address led to Harcharan Sembi’s work there being classed as ‘immediately dangerous’ and the gas supply being cut off – only for him to then reinstate it.

Sembi, 73, of William Grubb Close, Ernesford Grange, pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court to contravening gas safety regulations and contravening a prohibition notice.

He was sentenced to 14 months in prison suspended for two years and was ordered to do 40 hours of unpaid work and to pay £1,000 towards the Health and Safety Executive’s costs.

Judge Anthony Potter told Sembi: “You are a man who on a number of occasions has come to the attention of the authorities for your rather dilettante attitude towards gas installation.

“You don’t have the competence to carry out what is extremely important work which, if not carried out properly, puts at risk the safety at those on whose premises you work.”

Of the fact that a second inspection at Ansty Road showed the same faults, he remarked: “If anything should emphasise to you that you are incompetent and a risk to others, it should be that.

“One doesn’t have to look very hard at newspapers to see reports of gas leaks and explosions, and that’s why your offences are so serious.”