Cain Robert Padman, 35, (trading as Priority Fencing Projects and Constructions), has been convicted, fined $3,000 and ordered to refund two customers $1,674 in total; Mr Padman pleaded guilty at Frankston Magistrates’ Court to breaching Victorian domestic building contract and consumer laws by:
- taking an excessive deposit
- entering into a major domestic building contract while unregistered, and
- accepting payment and failing to supply.
We took action against Mr Padman after investigating complaints from two consumers.
One matter related to major domestic building work that Mr Padman was hired to do at a property in Endeavour Hills, including constructing a deck, pergola and outdoor bench seat.
Mr Padman was not registered to undertake such work.
In the other matter, Mr Padman took a deposit to do fencing work for two customers in Pakenham, but never started the job.
As well as the fine and refund order, Mr Padman was ordered to pay costs of $1,622. The magistrate stated that, had Mr Padman not pleaded guilty, he would have been fined $5,000.