Failed caravan dealer Daniel Robert Klaus convicted in court for second time
A failed Gold Coast caravan dealer previously ordered to pay more than $400,000 after ripping off customers has again been taken to court. Find out what happened.
Police & Courts
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A failed caravan salesman forced to cough up more than $400,000 after ripping off customers has been slapped with another eye-watering fine for his latest dodgy dealings.
Former Viking Caravans and Campers Ltd owner Daniel Robert Klaus was notably absent from his hearing in Southport Magistrates Court this week, with his victims travelling from Brisbane and interstate to give evidence.
The court was told that in October and November 2020, Klaus sold or auctioned off three caravans and entered into contracts with each buyer.
His victims handed over full payments or deposits of $101,200, $50,000, and $20,000 respectively in a mix of Bartercard dollars – an online trading currency equivalent to Australian dollars – and cash transactions.
None of the purchasers had received their caravans months later and began chasing Klaus for either their vehicle or a refund, but it was to no avail.
It was heard Klaus told at least one customer in early 2022 that they would receive a refund, but no payment was made.
Klaus was convicted of three counts of accepting payment and failing to provide goods or services within a reasonable time. He was convicted of a fourth count through Brewed Brewery Pty Ltd, of which he was the director.
He was fined $120,000 and ordered to pay full compensation to his victims, plus more than $5000 in court and witness travel costs.
Magistrate Nerida Wilson said she was satisfied Klaus was given sufficient time and notification of the proceedings and had not – on this occasion – made any effort to enter a plea or repay his ripped-off customers prior to his court date.
It marks the second time Klaus has been taken to court following an Office of Fair Trading investigation.
The court was told that when contacted by customers about the delay in their new or used caravans, Klaus claimed he had ended his relationship with the caravan manufacturer and offered refunds or to build the caravan with another brand.
His lawyer at the time, Ron Behlau, told the court in December that Klaus had paid the remaining monies that day but the registry mistakenly believed all to be outstanding.
It was ordered that the final payments be released and the matter taken no further.
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