Court outcome: Michael John Clowes

Michael John Clowes, owner of Craft Barrels in the Moreton Bay region has been charged after an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

The OFT investigated the trader after he accepted payment from consumers for the manufacture and supply of handmade barrels but failed to provide the goods.

Mr Clowes had made promises to provide the goods before ceasing communication with consumers. Affected consumers were left $3,660 out of pocket.

The matter was heard in the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court (5 May 2023). Mr Clowes pleaded guilty and was fined $3,000, no criminal conviction was recorded. He was also ordered to pay $3,660 in compensation to affected consumers.