A Dublin tradesman has been ordered to pay €7,000 fines and legal costs after leaving a homeowner in danger of a severe electrocution following a series of illegal home improvement works.
Damien Nicholson, whose conduct was described as the work of a "cowboy" by Judge Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court, was ordered to pay €7,350 in fines and legal costs by the energy regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
This comes after the court were told of the details of dangerously substandard electrical and gas jobs carried out by Mr Nicholson at the property in Malahide.
A safety inspection was carried out by the CRU following the job, which revealed that the electric shower, which was newly fitted, had posed a major risk of electrocution, while the homeowner also told the court how she was convinced to rip out the existing system by Mr Nicholson, who had claimed that old gun barrel pipes needed to be replaced.
Mr Nicholson had been hired after being recommended by family members to install this walk in electric shower, and had subsequently paid him €12,000 for several jobs.
The homeowner revealed that she had personally witnessed him performing gas and electrical work, despite having no official registration for either trade.
They also heard how Mr Nicholson had replace original radiators with electric units, leaving them powered with ordinary domestic extension leads. They also said that Mr Nicholson had personally driven them to her bank branch to retrieve money to pay for the works.
Concerns were raised by a bank clerk about the withdrawals at the counter, with a payment of €12,000 handed over.
Mr Nicholson, was not present at the court hearing, with Judge Halpin handing down criminal convictions and fines of €1,500, while ordering the accused to cover €5,850 in court costs, with all funds due in three months.
“This case highlights the serious danger posed when an unregistered gas installer or electrical contractor carries out illegal gas or electrical works", CRU'S Acting Director of Energy Safety, Rory Mee said.
"Customers should always check that anyone undertaking this work is registered and if they suspect that they are acting illegally, they should report this at www.rgi.ie . The CRU will continue to take action against individuals and companies who fail to meet these essential safety standards". (All quotes according to DublinLive).
