Plumber fined for boiler scam (From Watford Observer)

Plumber fined for boiler scam

11:58am Monday 30th March 2009 in

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An unqualified plumber who illegally fitted a faulty gas boiler has been ordered to pay more than £1,100 by magistrates.

Anthony Smith, 49, of Cobb Green, Watford, fraudulently told a customer he was registered with the Council of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) when fitting the boiler near Harrow last year.

In fact, Brent Magistrates' Court heard last week that Smith presented the customer with a fake number CORGI number – meaning he was breaking the law.

In fact, Smith, who operates a plumbing and heating business trading as ‘T’s Crew’, has never been CORGI registered.

Trading Standards director Bill Bilon said: “The safety of the public is paramount and that is the reason why anyone who carries out gas installations has to be CORGI approved.

“Furthermore, traders who make false claims as their membership of professional trade associations gain an unfair competitive advantage over those who are properly qualified.”

Smith pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two offences of fraud and unfair trading. He was fined £500 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £692.