An unregistered gas fitter has been sentenced after carrying out illegal gas work at two houses in Hampshire, leaving the properties in a condition that could have endangered lives.
Bradley Willis-Chambers, 47, removed boilers at homes in Southsea and Tipner between 2021 and 2022, leaving a single parent with a young daughter without a working hot water appliance for an extended period, while a young couple in their first home were left facing costly repairs.
Following the removal of the old boilers and installation of new ones at both properties, concerns were raised with the Gas Safe Register about the installations and non-working parts.
An HSE investigation found that Bradley Willis-Chambers was unregistered – making the work illegal – and had previously faced HSE enforcement action in 2012 for carrying out illegal, unregistered gas work. Although he later became a member of the Gas Safe Register, he was struck off in 2016 due to a failure to demonstrate competence, rectify defects and comply with registration rules. He had not been registered to undertake any gas work since 25 May 2016.
The property owners described the effects of the illegal gas work as being “misled at every stage”. They said the whole experience was “an ordeal” which “impacted not just… personal life, but also … work and relationships”, leaving them in an unfinished home and “still working to manage the debt” incurred, with the “emotional and financial toll” affecting them every day.
Alongside the HSE investigation, a Portsmouth City Council Trading Standards investigation found Bradley Willis-Chambers guilty of fraudulent trading against four victims during the same period. He is now subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order. Details can be found on the Portsmouth City Council website.
HSE Inspector Francesca Arnold said:
“Bradley Willis-Chambers carried out illegal and dangerous gas work which he knew he was not registered to do. His failures could have led to catastrophic and tragic consequences for the homeowners, putting the lives of the homeowners and their children at risk.”
Bradley Willis-Chambers, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty on the morning of trial to four counts of breaching Regulation 3(3) and Regulation 5(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court and was committed for sentence to Portsmouth Crown Court.
Finding there had been a “flagrant disregard for the law”, on 23 July 2026, His Honour Judge Newton-Price KC sentenced him to eighteen months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and imposed a requirement to complete 180 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £600 compensation to each of the victims in this case, along with the victim surcharge.
Bradley Willis-Chambers is currently prohibited by HSE from undertaking gas work without being registered.
