A COMPANY director has been fined after two of his joiners, one 17-years-old, fitted an electric shower in a family home that wasn’t safe for use.

Paul Frame pleaded guilty to two charges of recklessly engaging in commercial practise at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court yesterday.

The court heard how Frame, who has 15 years experience working as a builder and plumber, had carried out work to refurbish a bathroom inside a home in West Rainton.

Kamila Coulson-Patel, prosecuting on behalf of Durham County Council, said the council had responded to a complaint from the homeowner about a shower unit that had been installed.

“The shower that had been fitted by Mr Frame was the incorrect unit, but the complainant was told to use it until the correct shower unit was installed. The family continued to use the shower until it was replaced. The shower was later condemned for use after inspection.”

Stephen Andrews, representing Frame, said his company HLS Home Improvements had since gone under.

He added: “Mr Frame has an impeccable record of 15 years working as a building and plumber and essentially would pay a third party to carry out electrical work.

“On this occasion he sent a 17-year-old employee and another employee to replace the shower unit but, perhaps to impress the boss, they have carried out electric works that Mr Frame did not ask them to.”

Frame, of Thornbank Close, Sunderland, was fined £350 and ordered to pay £2,761.20 compensation.