South Australia’s Consumer Watchdog has led a successful prosecution against a dodgy paver, with the court imposing penalties and compensation totalling nearly
$40,000.

Consumer and Business Services took action against Tyson Hoey, trading as U Pave It, last year, after complaints he was entering into contracts for the supply and installation of landscaping supplies including excavation and paving work.

Acting Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Dini Soulio says CBS received complaints about his conduct largely from the northern suburbs, and generally from people who had paid Hoey to supply and install landscaping supplies.

“Hoey, who had also traded as Tyson Paving and Landscaping was not licensed to carry out building work, or advertise for such work under the Building Work Contractors Act,” Mr Soulio said.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court, Hoey was convicted of 5 counts, specifically relating to carrying on business as a building work contractor when he was not authorised to do so and accepting payment for the supply of goods and services, which he failed to provide within a reasonable time frame, in beach of Australian Consumer Law.

The court issued fines totalling $55,000 for the offences, but reduced the amount to $20,000 because of Hoey’s financial circumstances.

The court also ordered $18,249 compensation be paid to five former clients, in amounts ranging from $500 to $7,500.

“Let this case be a warning to anyone who is trading unlicensed or not carrying out work as promised, CBS will pursue you and you will be punished,” Mr Soulio said.

“While this is a pleasing result, it should serve as a reminder to anyone considering employing a tradesman to check the CBS website to ensure they are qualified and licensed to carry out the work as www.cbs.sa.gov.au.”