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A plumber in Suffolk who put people's lives in danger by unlawfully working on domestic gas appliances has been handed a prison sentence of six months.

Paul Jowett confessed to five breaches of gas and health and safety regulations when in an appearance at Ipswich Crown Court, after he conducted work at several Lowestoft properties between May 2009 and October 2010 without being officially accredited.

Mr Jowett also continued his illegal activity even though the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sent him a written warning.

HSE inspector Edward Crick said: "Working with gas appliances is difficult, specialised and potentially very dangerous. Only engineers who are qualified and registered should attempt it. "

Mr Crick warned that people who illegally carry out gas work are not only risking prosecution, but also putting people's lives in danger.

The HSE also recently fined Tegby landlord David Ian Douglas-Law after he failed to safely monitor a gas fire in one of his properties, highlighting the group's tough stance on gas safety