Candyman deal secret
CONTROVERSIAL businessman Travers “The Candyman” Beynon has reached a secret settlement with a neighbour he claimed had defamed him in emails.
The tobacco tycoon last year sued neighbour James Blacklege in the Southport District Court claiming that his neighbour had sent defamatory emails, including calling him “an ignorant a---hole” and “weak as piss”.
Mr Beynon’s lawyer Guy Humble, of McCullough Robertson Lawyers, confirmed to the Bulletin that the matter had settled.
He declined to give any details. Mr Blacklege’s lawyer Campbell MacCallum, of Moloney MacCallum Lawyers, also declined to comment, but did confirm the settlement.
The court file indicates the matter has resolved, but no details of settlement are on the file.
The saga first became public midlast year when Mr Beynon lodged the court battle.
Mr Beynon and Mr Blacklege were both residents of the River Cove Community Title Scheme in Helensvale.
The emails which were subject to the defamation claim were sent in November 2017 while discussing a good behaviour complaint by Mr Beynon’s Freechoice
Australia tobacconist franchise.
Mr Beynon claimed the emails sent by Mr Blacklege implied he was “a person of extremely weak character”, a “coward” and involved in making a false complaint.
The businessman was claiming $30,000 in damages.
Mr Blacklege had denied any harm. The case had been set to go to trial until the 11th-hour settlement.
The terms of the settlement are expected to be kept secret.
The defamation case was not the first time the spotlight was placed on Mr Beynon and his Freechoice tobacco retail empire.
He has risen to fame for his internet exploits showing off his wealth, extravagant lifestyle and the many women that are a part of his life.
Mr Beynon was a talented Aussie rules player in his youth before taking up modelling when his football career came to an end due to an injury. He is now known as “The Candyman” and posts pictures and videos across internet platforms displaying his wild parties and living with multiple women.