Brian James of Llandudno Road, Rumney, Cardiff, was hired to carry out renovations to a bungalow in Cardiff.

He was specifically tasked with installing new plumbing and heating, which included a boiler, but admitted in court that he did not carry out the work himself.

Instead, he employed a man he had never met before and did not check that he was sufficiently competent, qualified or a Gas Safe registered engineer.

The boiler was not fitted with a thermostat and not commissioned by a registered engineer.

“It is essential for public safety that gas appliances are only fitted by competent, qualified and registered engineers,” said Simon Breen, inspector at the Health and Safety Executive.

“Anyone who is carrying out renovations to properties need to make sure they properly check anyone they bring in to carry out gas work so people’s lives are not put at risk.”

Mr James pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was handed a 32-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, 250 hours of community service, fined £636 and ordered to pay costs of £5,344.29.