Cancer con Belle Gibson could face jail for failing to pay fine

Cancer conwoman Belle Gibson could finally face jail after she failed to pay a cent of a whopping fine issued over her cancer lies.

Gibson was found guilty of misleading and deceptive conduct over her cancer lies. Picture: Facebook

Conwoman Belle Gibson could finally face jail over her cancer lies after the consumer watchdog won a legal bid that will allow it to pursue her for contempt of court.

Consumer Affairs Victoria launched further legal action in the Federal Court against Gibson in July after she failed to pay a cent of the $410,000 fine issued in September last year for five breaches of consumer law.

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The founder of The Whole Pantry health and wellness empire had also made no effort to apply to go on a payment plan by last year’s October deadline.

CAV sought to amend the court’s penalty order to include a warning about the ramifications if she does not comply.

Disgraced wellness blogger Belle Gibson is yet to pay a cent of her fine. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Justice Debbie Mortimer today granted the endorsement application, meaning if Gibson doesn’t make attempts to pay the fine, she could be prosecuted for contempt of court.

The penal notice stated if she refused to pay or ignore the order she would be “liable to imprisonment, sequestration of property or other punishment”.

Justice Mortimer said Gibson’s “cavalier attitude” had seen her not be involved in the civil proceedings until the endorsement application was made, and she enlisted a lawyer.

“Ms Gibson appears to have little respect for any official processes,” Justice Mortimer said.

“However, it would appear to have dawned on Ms Gibson, eventually, that endorsement of the 28 September 2017 orders could have real consequences for her, if she continued with her noncompliance with those orders.

“And so, I infer, she decided it was to her advantage to participate in this aspect of the proceedings.”

Gibson’s barrister Andrew Traghard had argued CAV’s application was “extraordinary” and should have been made when the fine was handed down.

He gave no explanation for why Gibson hadn’t paid the fine.

Gibson, 27, was found guilty of misleading and deceptive conduct after duping consumers into buying her wellness app and cookbook on false claims she had miraculously cured her brain cancer naturally.

The Melbourne mother also failed to pass on promised donations to charities.

Consumer Affairs Victoria would not comment on its next move when contacted by the Herald Sun.

“The Federal Court has strict procedures regarding enforcement of its orders and Consumer Affairs Victoria is following this process in respect to the penalties handed down against Belle Gibson in September 2017,” it said in a statement.

“It is not appropriate to comment further while the matter is before the court.”

CAV has the option to claw back the money through either issuing a writ or warrant for seizure and sale of property; making an order for possession of land or delivery of goods; or making Gibson go on a payment instalment plan.

The Herald Sun understands it is not until it has tried these methods that it can launch contempt proceedings.

Gibson, who was not at today’s hearing, has until December 11 to make further submissions to the court.

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Originally published as Cancer con Belle Gibson could face jail for failing to pay fine