Unlicensed Gas Fitter Endangers Family with Dangerous Installation
A South Wales family with a 10-month-old baby faced life-threatening dangers due to unlicensed gas installation work performed by rogue trader Lee Slocombe. Slocombe, a habitual offender, employed a fake gas engineer across multiple properties, creating hazardous living conditions that endangered lives.
Details of the Case
Slocombe operated without the necessary qualifications and was previously banned from conducting any building work. He was sentenced to six years in prison after defrauding victims of nearly £547,000. His fraudulent activities caused severe financial hardship, leading some victims to take out loans and withdraw from pension funds to remedy his subpar services.
Victims’ Experiences
Cardiff Crown Court heard from nine victims, many of whom were elderly and vulnerable. They hired Slocombe for various projects—from minor repairs to significant extensions—only to encounter a series of financial and safety nightmares.
- Slocombe’s work was often left incomplete.
- He falsely increased costs while delivering poor-quality results.
- In some instances, he convinced victims to pay for unnecessary repairs.
- A carbon monoxide leak was reported in a property where children were present.
Legal Consequences
Slocombe’s criminal history spans multiple convictions for fraud from 2015 to 2023. He received prior prison sentences of 43 months and five years and five months for similar offenses. This time, he was found guilty of operating a fraudulent business between March 2021 and May 2023.
During sentencing, Judge Christopher Felstead described Slocombe as a persistent offender who caused unacceptable damage to homes. The court highlighted that some of his work left homes “virtually destroyed.” He was also using the alias “Lee Lewis” to obscure his past.
Community Reaction
Following the sentencing, Cardiff council member Cllr Norma Mackie expressed her relief that justice was served. She noted the emotional and physical distress Slocombe’s victims faced. The council thanked the staff involved in bringing the case to court, hoping this outcome would provide closure for those affected.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unlicensed gas fitters and the importance of hiring qualified professionals for home improvements. For more updates on similar cases, continue following Filmogaz.com.