Ryan Wayne Hewson, sole director of The GrassFather Pty Ltd, fined more than $40,000 for failing to start work after deposit paid

A Gold Coast landscaper with an unusual business moniker has been ordered to pay tens of thousands of dollars in fines and compensation. WHAT HAPPENED

A Gold Coast landscaper has been ordered to pay more than $40,000 in fines and compensation as “Fair Trading mows down The GrassFather” in court.

Ryan Wayne Hewson, sole director of The GrassFather Pty Ltd, was due to face Southport Magistrates Court on May 9 after charges were laid by the Office of Fair Trading for breaching Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

The GrassFather as pictured on Instagram. Picture: Instagram

Mr Hewson failed to appear in court and he was found guilty of one count of wrongly accepting payment and failing to supply services under the ACL.

He provided a quote of $23,000 for landscaping services, the court was told.

The customer paid an $11,500 deposit and agreed to commence work between September and October 2021.

“Mr Hewson did not show up to do the work on the promised dates and provided the consumer numerous reasons for the delay,” Fair Trading stated.

“In the end the work was never started, the landscaper ceased contact with the consumer, and no refund was provided.”

Mr Hewson was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay $11,500 in compensation to the customer.

His company The GrassFather was fined $20,000.

Commissioner for Fair Trading Victoria Thomson said: “Under the Australian Consumer Law, businesses must not accept payment for products or services if they are not able to supply them and the OFT will not hesitate to action if they need to.”

She warned businesses failing to deliver goods and services which have been paid for ruin their reputation and risk undermining confidence in the marketplace.

Fair Trading encourages consumers who have been unable to resolve a dispute with a trader to lodge a complaint online.