SA trailer-maker Daniel John Pittaway conned clients out of $55k for poor work, consumer watchdog alleges

He promised his clients custom trailers – instead, he allegedly led them around and took $55,000 from them for his shoddy work.

Daniel Pittaway, left, has faced court accused of taking $55,000 for building and custom trailer work that was unfinished, defective or unsuitable. Picture: Facebook.

He promised them custom trailers to suit their towing needs, but the consumer watchdog says

Daniel John Pittaway just led his clients around – and took $55,000 of their money.

On Friday, Pittaway, 37, of Royal Park faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court charged with seven counts of accepting payment for, and failing to provide, services.

He is further charged with one count of working as a builder without a licence.

Court documents filed by the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs allege Pittaway defrauded seven clients of his business, Dannyway Customs, between March 2018 and May 2020.

Pittaway, they allege, took on $39,381.10 worth of building and fencing work for four clients despite not having a valid contractor’s licence.

They allege he repeatedly increased his quotes, and demanded payment of “overdue invoices” without completing the work, netting $22,555.50.

In each case, the Commissioner says, Pittaway failed to complete the jobs – and the little work that was done was “defective”.

Customers complained that Mr Pittaway’s trailers were “unroadworthy” and had “significant faults”. Picture: Facebook.

Pittaway is further accused of defrauding $32,612.25 from three clients for whom he promised to build custom car trailers valued at $40,408.50.

In each case, they allege, Pittaway failed to deliver the trailers on time and produced work that was “unsafe to operate and not fit for use” on the road.

One trailer, they allege, was so poor that it did not pass inspection to be registered.

Pittaway, they allege, offered one of the three men “a $4080 discount” if he traded in a different trailer – the client refused.

On Friday, counsel for Pittaway – who is in custody for unrelated matters – asked for the case to be adjourned, saying they understood further charges were likely to be laid.

Pittaway will face court again in March.