- Antony Clifton was suspended by the Gas Safe Register – but carried out illegal and unsafe work anyway.
- People encouraged to check the Gas Safe Register.
A rogue gas fitter from Norfolk has been jailed after carrying out unsafe gas work at a residential property while suspended from the Gas Safe Register.
Antony Clifton, from Wymondham, has been sentenced to 46 weeks in custody after he carried out unsafe gas work while falsely claiming to be a member of the Gas Safe Register. He worked at a home in Drayon, Norwich in January 2022, but there was a gas escape on the inlet to a cooker that had been fitted the day before by the 52-year-old.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Clifton had left the appliance in a condition where gas was leaking, and emergency repair work was required. Clifton had previously been served with a prohibition notice by HSE following unsafe gas work.
Further information and guidance on domestic gas health and safety is available.
Antony Clifton, a director of CS Appliance Repairs Limited, of Exige Way, Wymondham pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(7) and 5(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) 1998 Regulations. He was sentenced to a total of 46 weeks in custody and was ordered to pay £1,000 costs at a hearing at Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court on 14 July 2025.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Martyn Webb said: “Antony Clifton knew that he was not registered and should not carry out any gas work.
“However, he showed a blatant disregard to this fact and his illegal actions meant the people living in that house could have been killed.
“Homeowners and tenants should check for Gas Safe registration before allowing work to commence on their appliances and refuse entry to individuals who cannot prove they are registered.
“All gas work must be done by a registered Gas Safe engineer to ensure the highest standards are met to prevent injury and loss of life.”
Gas engineers and consumers can contact the Gas Safe Register in any of these ways:
- Gas Safe Register
- Phone – Consumers: 0800 408 5500; Engineers: 0800 408 5577
- Email – enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk
This HSE prosecution was brought by enforcement lawyer Iain Jordan and paralegal officer Helen Hugo.
Further information:
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
- More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
- Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
- HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so. The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences in England and Wales can be found here and for those in Scotland here.