An unlicensed plumber from Punchbowl has been ordered to pay $6,000 in fines and costs by Parramatta Local Court for operating without a licence or registered business name.

Alex Saad, also known as Ahmed Ayshan, was convicted of seven breaches of the Home Building Act 1989 and one breach of the Business Names Act 2002.

Ms Judge welcomed the Court’s decision and said Mr Saad had blatantly and repeatedly ignored the law.

“During 2008 and 2009 Mr Saad worked as a plumber and gasfitter without holding a licence,” she said.

“He advertised his services in the Southern, Inner West and Wentworth Courier newspapers using the unregistered business name of Abbey Plumbing Services.

“He would often quote a licence number belonging to another legitimate contractor.

“In fact, Mr Saad has never held or applied for a contractors licence in New South Wales.”

Mr Saad was issued with two penalty notices for advertising as a plumber while unlicensed in 2008 and 2009.

“The licensing system exists so consumers and traders can be confident they are dealing with tradespeople who have the qualifications and skills to carry out the work,” Ms Judge said.

“Fair Trading has made recent improvements to the licence register to make it easier for you to check if a trader is legitimate.

“The register allows you to quickly verify if a builder or tradesperson holds a valid and current licence suitable for the type of work intended to be undertaken.

“It also shows the results of any disciplinary determinations and prosecutions against a person, partnership or company.”

Individuals caught carrying out unlicensed building work face fines of up to $22,000. Traders caught operating without a registered business name can be fined up to $5,500.

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