Health and safety experts have warned householders to beware of rogue builders after a Bradford tradesman was jailed for four months for illegally carrying out his own gas and electric works.

John Howe, of Bush Mill Fold, Queensbury, pleaded guilty to five breaches of health and safety legislation and gas safety regulations after his work was found to pose an unacceptable risk of injury or death.

The builder had been paid about £28,000 to construct a granny flat at a house in Crestwood Close, Bradford, the city’s magistrates were told.

But he took so long to finish the work, owner Khalid Rehman called in another builder, who told him power connections in the flat could be dangerous.

Howe, trading as J Howe Plumbing and Construction, had installed a gas boiler in the loft and gas hob in the kitchen and left them connected to the mains supply, despite not being a Gas Safe registered engineer.

After the hearing, Paul Johnson, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, said: “Only a Gas Safe registered engineer should carry out gas work in your property.”

A prohibition notice was served on Mr Howe last November, preventing him from carrying out any domestic gas work until he is Gas Safe registered.

  • Read the full story in Thursday's T&A