• Alexander Robson advertised his services on social media and with flyers faking the Gas Safe logo, despite not being on the Gas Safe Register
• Illegal gas work carried out on five properties, with one putting lives in danger
• All gas work must be carried out by people on the Gas Safe Register.

An illegal gas fitter who advertised his services on Facebook despite not being on the Gas Safe Register has been given a suspended prison sentence after carrying out dangerous work on homes across the North East.

Alexander Robson, 38, of Bavington Drive in Fenham, advertised his services on the social media platform and used flyers with the Gas Safe logo on them – despite the fact he wasn’t registered. Robson traded under names including GasnHeat Plumberz and North East Renocationz and undertook gas work on boilers and gas fires at five homes in Blyth, Ryton, Hexham, Winlaton and Newcastle.

However, not only was the work he carried out illegal, it was also sub-standard and endangered the lives of those living in the properties. Carrying out gas work without registration is illegal and potentially dangerous, as unqualified work can lead to gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Robson had previously been on the Gas Safe Register aligned to various businesses up until 1 February 2024, but continued carrying out work for several months after that was no longer the case.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Robson had carried out work in five homes between June and September 2024. This included a number of boiler replacements as well as installing gas pipework, undertaking gas work on boilers and gas fires, and disconnecting gas appliances.

Alexander Robson, of Bavington Drive, Fenham, pleaded guilty to ten breaches under the Gas Safe (Installation and Use) Regulations 1999. On 14 July 2026 at South Tyneside Magistrates Court, Robson was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for a period of two years. Robson must also complete a six month mental health treatment requirement and complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity with the probation service. He was also ordered to pay £450 compensation and £200 towards prosecution costs.

HSE inspector Darian Dundas said:

“These breaches were carried out brazenly and in the open using social media and faking the Gas Safe logo to tout for business.

“Little did people know what they were signing up for when they asked him for help; a rogue trader who was not competent to safely carry out the work.

“All gas work must be carried out by registered Gas Safe Register engineers to ensure the highest standards are met.

“When they are not, the consequences can be deadly.

“The public should always ask to see the gas engineer’s identification and check the registration number online.”

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 Prosecution was brought by HSE Enforcement Lawyer Iain Jordan and supported by Paralegal Officer Stephen Grabe.

 

Further information:

1. 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.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
4. Guidance on domestic gas health and safety is available.
5. 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.