Fitter's string of errors

Gas boiler flue pipes at seven homes were incorrectly fitted, manslaughter trial is told

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A GAS fitter accused of manslaughter left dangerous, risky or substandard work at seven homes in Barnsley, a court heard.

Investigators who examined James Charlton's boiler installations found flue fitting errors, several of which were immediately condemned, a jury was told.

Sheffield Crown Court heard some were classed as "dangerous" and the boilers shut down on the
spot, while others were judged "at risk" or below standard.

Colin Hall, an investigator for former gas regulator Corgi, said he attended a house on Winter Road, Pogmoor and condemned the boiler because the flue was not properly connected and was moving in the wind.

Inspector Clive Stansfield said a boiler at Elmbridge Close, Royston, was 'at risk', because the flue was not connected correctly. The court heard Charlton had been called back to the house when the boiler cut out two days after he fitted it. The householder later told police the cupboard where it was housed was discoloured and Charlton told him he'd had to reassemble the flue.

Jurors were also told the pipe was not fully inserted at Vernon Close, Worsbrough Common. It was misaligned and could have failed at Station Road, Wombwell, and at Wingfield Road, Athersley, a pipe in the roof space had parted.

Gas expert inspector Howard Reed said Charlton had not sent Corgi details of his installations as regulations required. Householders had been left with repair bills running to hundreds of pounds to rectify his work.