A LANDLORD has avoided serving an immediate prison sentence despite failing to check an “dangerous” gas fittings in one of his North-East properties.

Christopher Hobaiter, of Linden Avenue, Stockton, pleaded guilty to breaching safety regulations after a routine check of a tenanted home in Middlesbrough found serious problems within the property.

A gas fire with back boiler were examined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) with the appliance found to be leaking deadly carbon monoxide into the ground floor living room of the Wilton Street house.

Hobaiter, 33, was found to have sealed windows shut within the home, with wall ventilation grills also being blocked over for some time.

The HSE prosecuted Hobaiter over the incident after exposing his tenant to the odourless and poisonous gas that can lead to serious health problems or death.

The landlord pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared in court on Monday and was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to pay £1,904.02 in Teesside Magistrates’ Court costs.

Following the hearing, HM inspector of health and safety, Richard Bulmer, issued a warning over carbon monoxide leaks that may go unnoticed by tenants.

Mr Bulmer said: “Low-level carbon monoxide poisoning can be severe and debilitating and almost always fatal at higher levels.

“Falling asleep in the vicinity of a carbon monoxide producing gas fire is highly likely to lead to death.”

The court heard that Hobaiter no longer manages the Middlesbrough home where the inspection took place.