A Bayswater motor vehicle restorer and repairer who ignored several warnings about operating without a licence has been fined $3,000 by the Perth Magistrates Court.
Peter John Cooper, trading as Cooper Triumph, was also required to pay $418 in court costs after pleading guilty on 9 September 2022 of breaching the Motor Vehicle Repairers Act.
Consumer Protection had evidence that he operated his restoration and repair business between March and October 2021 while unlicensed, accepting payments from customers and ordering spare parts. Officers from the Department also visited his premises and witnessed evidence of ongoing work being carried out.
Mr Cooper previously held a licence which expired in January 2019. Since then, he received four reminders from Consumer Protection to re-apply for his licence along with warnings that he could be prosecuted if he failed to do so.
Mr Cooper finally lodged a licence application a day before his court appearance. Magistrate Watt warned him to act appropriately until his application is processed.
Acting Executive Director for Consumer Protection Penny Lipscombe said it was an expensive lesson for Mr Cooper to learn.
"We gave Mr Cooper ample opportunities to comply with the law but he chose to ignore our warnings so has now paid the price, financially and in reputational damage," Ms Lipscombe said.
"The licensing of the motor vehicle repair industry in WA is designed to maintain a high standard of service and safety for consumers. Unlicensed repairers undermine these standards.
"The laws allow for only fit, proper and appropriately qualified and trained people to hold licences and certificates to carry out repair work in WA."
