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Cement business owner fined

Staff reportersBusselton Dunsborough Times
A Busselton man was fined $4,500 and made to pay $3,000 compensation for ripping off clients of his cement business in Busselton Magistrates Court
Camera IconA Busselton man was fined $4,500 and made to pay $3,000 compensation for ripping off clients of his cement business in Busselton Magistrates Court Credit: Jackson Lavell-Lee

A Busselton business owner has been fined $4,500 by the Busselton Magistrates Court and ordered to pay $3,000 in compensation after pleading guilty to accepting deposit payments but failing to deliver the goods or services.

Jamie Douglas Bishop was trading as Busselton Cement Products when the breaches of the Australian Consumer Law occurred in 2016 and 2017. The court also ordered Mr Bishop to pay the prosecution’s costs of $2,152.20.

A women’s refuge in Busselton was granted $800 in compensation after engaging Mr Bishop to supply and install a concrete shed pad, soak-well and associated earthworks. Deposit money was paid but Mr Bishop failed to carry out any work or supply any materials.

Compensation of $1,200 was awarded to a Busselton property owner after he engaged Mr Bishop to supply and install two soak-wells. A deposit was paid but no goods were provided.

In sentencing on last Tuesday, Magistrate Keane said there was no excuse for committing offences of this kind and there was a need for both personal and general deterrence.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Lanie Chopping described it as a very serious matter given the repeat nature of the offences.

“Mr Bishop has shown a complete disregard for the consumer rights of his clients," Ms Chopping said.

"Our recommendation is for consumers to only pay small deposits upfront, or progress payments as various parts of a bigger job are completed.”

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