A tradesman who carried out unlicensed painting work despite a previous conviction has faced Fremantle Magistrates Court following prosecution by the Building Commissioner.
A tradesman who carried out unlicensed painting work despite a previous conviction has faced Fremantle Magistrates Court following prosecution by the Building Commissioner.
Christopher Robert Larden and Aesthetic Painting and Staging Pty Ltd were fined a total of $12,500 after pleading guilty to breaching WA's building service registration laws. Under this legislation, only a registered painting contractor can carry out, or contract for, paid painting work valued at more than $1,000.
The court was told that in September 2024, the property manager for a Yangebup home contacted Mr Larden to request patching, sanding and painting work.
Aesthetic, which is operated by Mr Larden's wife, emailed a quote of $5,900 for the project and an invoice for a $1,782 deposit. Mr Larden later carried out the work.
Neither Aesthetic nor Mr Larden held painting contractor registration at the time.
In court on 28 April 2026, Aesthetic was fined $10,000 and Mr Larden was fined $2,500. Both parties were ordered pay costs of $500 each.
In August 2020, Mr Larden was fined $1,500 for falsely presenting as a registered painter and for carrying out painting work that required registration.
Aesthetic and Mr Larden have since become registered.
Building Commissioner Phil Payne encouraged homeowners to carry out a licence search
