Electrician's work put lives at risk

A man endangered the lives of three Powys families by incorrectly fitting gas pipes in their homes. David Mees, 44, operated as DEE services, from Ael Y Bryn, Llandinam.

He carried out the work without being registered with Corgi.

He pleaded guilty to four trade description offences and nine health and safety offences at Welshpool Magistrates court yesterday.

Simon Parrington, prosecuting on behalf of Powys Trading Standards and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), told the court Mees had been operating as an electrical heating and plumbing contractor.

He said the 13 offences were committed between September 2005 and November 2006. The court heard work by Mr Mees was dangerous and could have caused a fire, serious injury and even death.

In November 2006, Powys Trading Standards received a complaint about an advert by Mees in the phonebook.

It falsely claimed he was Corgi-registered and officers found he illegally used a logo claiming to be a member of OFTEC - part of the Oil Firing Technical Association -Êon his website. The investigation found Mees falsely signed a gas certificate.

In May 2006, Mees installed a gas hob and fire for a couple in Caersws.

Corgi inspector Paul Dyke found two gas leaks and ma- de a list of other problems.

In November 2006, Mr Dyke inspected a Newtown property where Mees fitted a gas hob, fire and boiler and found a gas leak and other problems. A Llandrindod Wells family also contacted trading standards about work he did for them.

Mr Paul Inns, for Mees, said his client, a qualified electrician, had believed he was competent to carry out the work. The case was adjourned to February 12.