Two men jailed after a gas cylinder explosion in a rented campervan seriously injured a customer.
They appeared in court on February 25. Smith and Crellin provided fake gas safety papers related to the rented campervan. The incident proved their fraud.
The stove’s gas cylinder leaked right away during its first use, triggering a big explosion. The customer burned their hand, leg, and foot as the cooker cupboard door flew off. Doctors had to cut off the victim’s wedding ring.
North Lincolnshire Council investigated the event and found Smith hired Crellin to inspect the van after the blast. Crellin faked paperwork to show safety, backdating it to look legitimate.
Crellin invented a business name for these forms and wrote a fake gas safe ID number. He admitted to two fraud counts covering the false documents.
Smith admitted he failed in his duty under safety laws. He also pleaded guilty to fraud. On August 16, 2023, someone cooked a meal using the campervan’s hob. Suddenly, the gas canister ignited.
The cupboard door exploded outward, and the victim and their family were inside, putting them all at risk with this flash fire.
The judge said jail time was necessary to send the right message, noting three people were in danger in a tiny space and added that the cover-up was organized.
Smith received 16 months in jail, and Crellin received 14 months in jail. Jordan Millican and the council prosecuted them.
A council member said holding traders accountable is good, mentioning the customer faced danger and the duo tried hiding those facts, which was unacceptable.
The council wants to protect public safety by helping people know what to look for to prevent issues. Be careful with social media traders and check them out thoroughly; it’s better to be safe.
People can report suspicious businesses, protecting consumers and honest companies alike.