An Indigenous man who identifies as a plumber has been found guilty of ripping off customers while fraudulently operating as a tradie without ever having held the necessary licence. Duanne Hevers, a resident of Sydney’s western suburbs, has repeatedly failed to appear in court to address a multitude of criminal charges. This led a magistrate to issue an arrest warrant on a Thursday, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Hevers, who was recognized as the Master Plumbers Association of NSW’s Indigenous Apprentice of the Year in 2018, had been trading under the business name Fairwater Plumbing without possessing a valid NSW contractor license. Natasha Mann, the NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, raised concerns about Hevers’ activities, cautioning consumers against engaging with him due to potential risks.
In New South Wales, a license is mandatory for specialized work, including plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning, regardless of the job’s cost. Moreover, any residential work valued over $5,000 also requires a license. Hevers faced 25 charges related to dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, stemming from complaints lodged by clients and former employers.
Despite pleading not guilty to 21 charges in July the preceding year, Hevers consistently failed to attend his court appearances. Recently, he evaded court again on two fraud charges, citing health issues that prevented his presence. This led to a warrant for his immediate arrest, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations against him.
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Challenging Legal Battle and Evading Justice
On a pivotal day in court, Hevers faced multiple charges, including dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception and destroying or damaging property. Despite providing a medical certificate to explain his absence in one court, he failed to appear at another, leading to significant legal repercussions. This pattern of behavior underscored the gravity of Hevers’ legal troubles and the importance of addressing the charges against him promptly.
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Public Awareness and Consumer Protection
The NSW Fair Trading Commissioner’s warning to consumers about Hevers’ unauthorized activities shed light on the need for stringent consumer protection measures. Reports from victims revealed Hevers’ deceptive practices, where he misled clients to obtain money falsely. Text messages obtained by media outlets showcased his persistent efforts to extract funds from former clients through misleading claims about materials and work expenses.
Hevers’ former employers and clients reported substantial financial losses due to his actions, prompting a broader investigation into his fraudulent behaviors. Despite attempts to reach out to Hevers for comments on the allegations, there was no response, indicating a lack of accountability on his part. The impact of Hevers’ actions on unsuspecting consumers and industry stakeholders highlighted the importance of vigilant oversight and legal enforcement to safeguard against such fraudulent practices.
The Hills police area command’s efforts to apprehend Hevers underscored the collaborative approach needed to bring individuals engaging in fraudulent activities to justice. By leveraging public awareness and community support, law enforcement agencies can effectively address cases of financial deception and protect consumers from falling victim to unscrupulous practices. As Hevers remains at large, the public’s assistance in identifying his whereabouts is crucial for ensuring accountability and preventing further harm to innocent individuals.
The case of Duanne Hevers serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unlicensed tradespeople and the importance of conducting due diligence when engaging with service providers. Through enhanced regulatory measures, public education, and proactive enforcement actions, authorities can mitigate the prevalence of fraudulent activities in the construction industry and uphold consumer trust and safety in the marketplace.
