Father and son sentenced after illegal boiler work caused gas leak in Hanley
The pair, from Whittington, put a family at risk of serious harm, the HSE said
A father and son have been sentenced after illegal gas work caused a leak that put a family, including a baby, at risk in Stoke-on-Trent.
55-year-old Wayne Culliss subcontracted his then 18-year-old son, Kazys, to replace a boiler at a rental property in Hanley in January 2024, even though he wasn't qualified or registered to carry out gas work.
The boiler had been installed after the tenants reported problems with the previous one.
Two weeks later, during a routine safety check, a British Gas engineer smelled gas and found a leak.
The gas supply was immediately turned off to make the property safe.
The Health and Safety Executive said gas leaks can have deadly consequences and the work had put the tenants' lives at risk.
The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 require those undertaking gas work to be Gas Safe Registered, and to have qualifications.
The sentences
Kazys Culliss, now 21, of Boot Street, Whittington, admitted carrying out gas work without being Gas Safe registered.
He was given a 12-month community order, ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 in costs.
Wayne Culliss, also of Boot Street, Whittington, admitted allowing the illegal work to take place. He was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £2,500 in costs.
"Reckless"
HSE Inspector Rob Gidman said: “The work carried out by Kazys Culliss, under the instruction of his father, Wayne, was reckless and put people at risk of serious harm.
“I would appeal to anyone who is getting gas work done on their home to always ask to see the identification of who come out to do it. They should also check their registration number online to ensure it is valid.
“It only takes a couple of minutes but can keep you and your loved ones safe.”