A South Australian demolition contractor who falsely claimed he had uncovered asbestos materials at clients’ properties has faced the state’s Supreme Court and been fined almost $650,000.
John Goros, who has also been known as John Goriclav, lied about finding asbestos at sites so he could charge his clients significantly more for his services. His conduct was revealed after the Consumer and Business Services launched proceedings against him and his company over what they described as ‘unconscionable conduct’ following numerous complaints.
In the case, his now-defunct demolition company, Demolition Experts, which had also been known as Hindmarsh Demolition, was fined $430,000. Goros, as the director, was fined $215,000 and disqualified from managing a corporation for ten years. He was also explicitly banned from making claims of finding hazardous waste or receiving any form of payment for removing hazardous waste.
In a judgment, Chief Justice Chris Kourakis explained that Goros’ “deceit was generally effective because it exploited the high levels of anxiety which the public generally has, and the consumers, in particular, had about the health risks of asbestos contamination.”
“Goros played on the consumers’ fears of the escalating costs and building delays they would face if they did not immediately submit to his demands.”
“Goros’s predatory scheme was carefully planned and cleverly executed,” Chief Justice Kourakis said.
“(He) unconscionably preyed on the anxieties and vulnerabilities of his consumers to pressure them to make the payments before they had an opportunity to question his claims and, perhaps, discover his lies.”
“Goros is a recalcitrant who has no moral compass by which to reform himself,” he said.