Unlicensed Mortdale builder convicted
18 January 2010
Mortdale builder Glenn Andrew Ryeland has been ordered to pay $14,400 in fines and complete 500 hours of community service by Parramatta Local Court after he carried out residential building work while unlicensed and uninsured.
Fair Trading Minister, Virginia Judge said Mr Ryeland, sole director of Lynden Projects Pty Ltd, was convicted of six offences under the Home Building Act 1989 and two offences under the Crimes Act 1990.
Ms Judge said Mr Ryeland pleaded guilty to 24 charges for the following offences:
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Home Building Act s.4(1)(a) for unlicensed contracting of residential building work
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12(a) for doing residential building work when unlicensed
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92(1)(a) for doing residential building work without insurance
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92(1)(b) for doing residential building work without supplying insurance certificate
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92(2)(a) demanding or receiving payment for building without having insurance
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92(2)(b) demanding or receiving payment under contract for residential building work without providing a contract of insurance
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Crimes Act s.300(1) making a false instrument and
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300(2) using a false instrument.
“Mr Ryeland previously held a carpenter and joiner licence, but did not renew this after 1 March 1992,” she said.
“Since 1992, neither Mr Ryeland or his company has held any type of licence for residential building work.
“Between 2005 and 2008, Mr Ryeland was contracted to do residential building work at premises in South Coogee, Austinmer and Jannali.
“On each occasion, he presented a fradulent certificate for home warranty insurance and a false home building licence number.”
Ms Judge congratulated the court for its decision.
“Today’s outcome sends a clear message to builders across the state that the New South Wales Government does not tolerate traders who break the law.
“The licensing system exists so consumers can be confident they are dealing with qualified traders who have the skills to carry out the work.
“Home warranty insurance is an integral part of the consumer protection package for home owners.
“Home warranty insurance covers homeowners for loss of deposits and losses incurred in having defective work rectified, or incomplete work completed in the event of the death, disappearance or insolvency of a builder.
“Your home is one of the most valuable investments you will ever make in your life so do your homework before signing on the dotted line.
“Check the licence of your builder or tradesperson and seek independent advice.”
You can check the validity and currency of a builder’s licence online at this website or by calling 13 32 20.
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On 9 March 2010, the District Court heard a severity appeal brought by Glenn Ryeland against the sentence handed down by the Local Court on 15 January 2010. The 18 Home Building Act 1989 convictions with fines of $14,400 were affirmed. Three convictions under the Crimes Act 1900 were affirmed, reducing the community service to be served to 150 hours. The remaining convictions were set aside and Mr Ryeland placed on a good behaviour bond for 3 years. |
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