Builder fined after work gives homeowner shock
AN EASTBOURNE builder has been fined after a homeowner received an electric shock from a kitchen he had installed.
Michael Duffy, of Pitcairn Avenue, carried out the work in Uckfield trading as Michael Johns, of Home Improvements Ltd, Santos Wharf.
He was fined 300 at Brighton Magistrates Court on three counts of failing to inform the council of controlled building work.
Since 2005 all electrical work in kitchens and bathrooms has to be carried out by someone registered under a Competent Persons Scheme or properly recognised trade body; otherwise Building Regulations require that notice be served on the local authority.
Mr Duffy carried out work to an electrical installation in the kitchen of a house in Uckfield without giving a suitable building notice or making an application for approval of the work. He was neither a qualified electrician, nor a member of a Competent Person Scheme.
Wealden District Council investigated the case after a complaint from the home owner. After failed attempts to summon a Mr Johns to Lewes Magistrates Court, it emerged that Mr Duffy has been using a friend's name.
Year-long court proceedings followed and Duffy was finally sentenced on September 16.
He had claimed that the electrics were installed by a family friend, who was a qualified electrician, but he was found guilty on all three counts.
He was fined 100 for each of the three offences: failing to inform Wealden District Council that he was carrying out controlled building work, failing to give the council notice of commencement of work and failing to give notice of completion of work.
He was found not guilty of one charge of failing to comply with Part P of the building regulations.
He was ordered to pay 15 victim surcharge and 150 towards prosecution costs.
Councillor Roy Galley, Wealden District Council cabinet member for planning and development, said, "Building regulations are there to protect people's lives.
"When a hazardous situation is created because the regulations are ignored, we will find the people responsible and prosecute.
"Everyone should make sure that electrical installations are carried out by a qualified electrician or competent person."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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