Laois man sentenced for gas meter tampering that prevented consumption recording

Gas theft caused meter tampering is a serious issue and risk to life according to Gas Networks Ireland who has welcomed the the imposition of a suspended sentence on a Laois resident.

The company issued a statement after a Portarlington resident 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 a recent sitting of the Circuit Court in Portlaoise.

The company said that the Court heard on January 15 that Gas Networks Ireland carried out an investigation at the property in June 2024. A statement said 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.

The offence is contrary to Section 15 (3) of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995.

Judge Kennan Johnson ruled given that as the individual had pleaded guilty, he would impose a four-month imprisonment to be suspended in full for three years on condition that the individual keeps the peace and be of good behaviour.

The defendant appealed the severity of a sentence imposed in November 2024 for the offences. The individual was originally handed the maximum sentence of six months imprisonment and a fine of €2,500 at a sitting of the Portlaoise District Court. 

Gas Networks Ireland’s Networks Safety Manager, Owen Wilson, commented on the outcome of the recent appeal.

“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,” he said. More below picture.

Gas Networks said that 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.  Gas Networks Ireland says it 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. The company said it is illegal to ask, pay or allow someone else to tamper with a gas meter.

Mr Wilson concluded: “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.”

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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.