Cowboy gasman fitted 'dangerous' boilers years after being removed from safety register

A cowboy gasman repeatedly fitted boilers that were a danger to the public.

Syed Hussain, 43, was removed from the Gas Safe Register in April 2019 after he failed to “demonstrate necessary competency”.

The qualified plumber, however, continued to take up work in May that year at a property in Glasgow’s Battlefield.

Husain was paid by bank transfer to remove an old gas boiler and have a new one installed.

The homeowner was unhappy with the work carried out and tried to contact Hussain, but received no response.

A gas inspector visited the property and deemed the installation of the boiler “dangerous”.

The inspector identified six defects to the gas supply and 14 defects on the boiler.

Hussain was hired to do another job in Edinburgh – trading under the name “Tony” or “Mr Plumber” on Gumtree.

The homeowner was “unhappy” with the work one by Hussain and reported leaks in the system.

Another gas installer was hired to make the system safe, and a complaint was made to the gas safety register.

Seven defects were found to the gas supply and eight were discovered on the boiler.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard of five further similar instances of botched work by Hussain.

These took place at properties in Glasgow as well as Carluke, Lanarkshire, between May 2019 and February 2024.

Prosecutor Richard Brown stated that inspectors deemed Hussain’s work as “immediately dangerous”.

In one of the incidents, Hussain presented a gas safe registration number which belonged to a Zahid Hussain.

The hearing was told there were previous occasions in which Hussain was informed that he was “prohibited” from working, but continued to do so.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) delivered letters to explain that he should not undertake further gas work.

Hussain explained that he “understood” and was in the process of re-registering.

First offender Hussain pled guilty to three charges contrary to the Health and Safety at Work Act.

He also admitted culpably and recklessly installing gas boilers and pipe work which were in a dangerous and defective condition.

Jackie White, defending, told the court that her client claims he experienced “slight prejudice” during the interview process when re-registering in 2019.

The lawyer added: “At the time, he was not re-registered, and he should have been, and he thought at the time he was doing the work properly, and it turns out that he wasn’t.

“He was not meeting the standards of a competent gas engineer.”

Ms White also explained that Hussain is no longer in the trade and is currently a master’s student studying psychotherapy.

Sentencing was deferred pending background reports until next month by Sheriff Iain Fleming.

He told Hussain: “As I said to your lawyer, I take a serious view.

“Your behaviour constitutes a danger to the public – when you were told to stop, you didn’t stop.

“I am continuing your bail, but do not construe that you will avoid custody when I sentence you.”