Suspended prison sentence for gas meter tampering in Laois
Unlawful interference of a gas meter puts lives at risk
Friday, February 7, 2025: An individual with an address at Portarlington, Co. Laois, was given a four month suspended prison sentence in respect of the offence of unlawful interference with a gas meter owned by or operated by Gas Networks Ireland at Portlaoise Circuit Court recently. The offence is contrary to Section 15 (3) of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995.
On Wednesday, January 15th last, Portlaoise Circuit Court heard that Gas Networks Ireland carried out an investigation at the property in June 2024. The investigation found that the lock on the gas meter had been removed illegally, and the meter had been unlawfully tampered with, preventing the recording of gas consumption.
Judge Kennan Johnson, having heard the evidence from Gas Networks Ireland, commented that this type of illegal activity was extremely dangerous and could have fatal consequences for the individual, their family and neighbours.
He ruled given that as the individual had pleaded guilty, he would impose a four month imprisonment to be suspended in full for a period of three years on condition that the individual keeps the peace and be of good behaviour.
The individual was originally handed the maximum sentence of six months imprisonment and a fine of €2,500 at a previous sitting of the Portlaoise District Court on 15 November 2024, however the defendant subsequently appealed the severity of the sentence imposed.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Networks Safety Manager, Owen Wilson, said:
“This verdict sends out an important message to the public that meter tampering is a serious crime with potentially deadly consequences. Theft of gas is a very serious issue, but far more serious is the risk to life that meter tampering poses to the perpetrator and to people nearby.
We are working to end unlawful interference with gas meters and the dangers associated with this activity.”
Due to the dangers involved, gas meter tampering is a criminal offence with possible fines of up to €5,000 and prison sentences of up to six months for those found guilty of the crime. Gas Networks Ireland has been actively engaged in identifying and making safe installations where tampering has been found and has detected over 2,900 cases of meter tampering across the country since 2013.
By law, only Gas Networks Ireland representatives and registered gas installers are authorised to work on natural gas meters and pipework. It is illegal to ask, pay or allow someone else to tamper with a gas meter.
Wilson added: “Anyone who either interferes with a gas meter themselves or agrees to allow someone who is not a registered gas installer to work on their gas installations is risking their own life, those of their family, and of people living nearby.”
Members of the public are asked to report any suspicions of gas meter tampering to Gas Networks Ireland in strict confidence by calling 1800 464 464.
Further information is available at www.gasnetworks.ie/metertampering