Dandenong Magistrates’ Court has convicted and fined refrigeration installer Neil Turner $10,000, after he took deposits but failed to do any work.
The court also ordered him to pay $8850 in compensation to three consumers.
The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria prosecuted Mr Turner, 62, of Dandenong North, for offences relating to three matters:
- In November 2010, Mr Turner took a $4500 deposit to install a cool room at a Seaford milk bar. He did not turn up to do the work and failed to give a refund.
- In August 2011, Mr Turner agreed to supply and install an air-conditioning unit and perform maintenance work at a Dandenong North property. He accepted $1000 but did not do the work and did not repay the money.
- In March 2011, he accepted a $3350 deposit to install a new cool room at a Warburton farm, but did not do any work and never repaid the money.
At the 18 June hearing, Mr Turner was convicted of breaching section 19 of the Fair Trading Act 1999 and section 158(7) of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria).
The court also ordered him to pay $1400 in costs.