A 24 year old man has been fined $10,000 for carrying on business as a building work contractor without holding a licence and accepting payment for work that he never completed.

In the Elizabeth Magistrates Court, Damien Gerald Curtis was found guilty of breaches of the Australian Consumer Law and the Building Work Contractors Act.

The Court heard that, while Curtis did not hold a licence under the Building Work Contractors Act, he accepted a total of $645 to install a verandah at an Andrews Farm property, but failed to complete the work within a reasonable time.

Curtis had also accepted a part payment of $900 to install a pergola at a second Andrews Farm property.

Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Dini Soulio, welcomed the penalty, saying it should send a clear message that people who take deposits for work and do not follow through will not be tolerated.

“I would also urge all consumers to do their homework and check whether a contractor is licensed before hiring them to do any work,” he said.

To check if a person is licensed, or to report any concerns about a contractor, contact CBS on 131 882.