Hampshire Homeowner Warning: How to Spot Unregistered Gas Fitters

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-06 14:33 2 min read

Close-up of a residential gas meter and pipework on a white wall.

A Hampshire man has been sentenced following an investigation into dangerous and illegal gas work performed at two residential properties. Bradley Willis-Chambers, 47, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Portsmouth City Council Trading Standards after carrying out unauthorized boiler removals and installations in Southsea and Tipner between 2021 and 2022.

Willis-Chambers had been struck off the Gas Safe Register in 2016 for failing to demonstrate professional competence and had previously faced HSE enforcement action in 2012 for similar illegal activities. Despite these prohibitions, he continued to operate, leaving households in hazardous conditions. Victims reported being misled throughout the process, with one family left without hot water for an extended period and others forced to pay for costly repairs to rectify dangerous defects left behind by the installations.

Legal Consequences and Court Findings

At Portsmouth Crown Court, the presiding judge noted that Willis-Chambers had shown a “flagrant disregard for the law.” On 23 July 2026, he was sentenced to an eighteen-month prison term, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work. In addition to these requirements, he was ordered to pay £600 in compensation to each of his victims. He is now subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order and remains legally prohibited from performing any gas work.

Hampshire Homeowner Warning: How to Spot Unregistered Gas Fitters

At a Glance: Protecting Your Home

Gas safety is a critical requirement for every homeowner. Unqualified work can lead to gas leaks, fires, explosions, and the silent threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. The HSE emphasizes that all gas work must be undertaken by an engineer currently registered with the Gas Safe Register. To ensure your safety, follow these steps before allowing any contractor to begin work on your heating system or appliances:

Verify Credentials: Always ask to see the engineer’s Gas Safe identification card. This card features a unique registration number that can be verified.
Use Official Channels: Check the engineer’s registration status through the official Gas Safe Register website or by calling 0800 408 5500.
Confirm Scope: Ensure the engineer is specifically qualified for the type of work they are undertaking, such as boiler installation or gas pipe repairs.

If you suspect that a tradesperson is working illegally or has acted unfairly, you can report your concerns to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. For reports of suspected fraud, contact 0300 123 2040. Taking these precautions can prevent catastrophic outcomes and ensure that your home remains a safe environment.

Source: Health and Safety Executive Press Releases

Context & actions About this article

Source check Official HSE Investigation

This report is based on the official prosecution details released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on 6 August 2026.

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