Knuth appeals roofing verdict
A FORMER One Nation MP convicted of a string of offences relating to roofing work done at the home of Townsville radio personality Darren “Wildy” Burgess is back in court.
Jeffrey Alan Knuth and his brother Troy Adrian Knuth, formerly part- owners of Roofguard Roof Painting, were found guilty last December in Townsville Magistrates Court of 10 breaches of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act.
The pair are brothers of Dalrymple MP Shane Knuth.
Jeffrey has lodged an appeal against the verdict in Townsville District Court.
Defence barrister Darin Honchin said Magistrate Ross Mack had not given “sufficient or adequate reasons” for his verdict.
He said the trial lasted four days and included 48 exhibits but Mr Mack’s reasons were only three pages long.
Mr Honchin said the Knuth brothers’ business had been licensed to do roof restorations but not roof replacements.
He said in April 2014, the Knuths’ contractor Robert Taylor went to Mr Burgess’ Heatley home and quoted for a re- roof.
Mr Honchin said Mr Taylor brought the contract back to the office and Troy Knuth told him the business wasn’t licensed and to take it back.
Then Mr Taylor and roof contractor Daniel Beaven “decided to pursue this re- roofing”.
“Mr Beaven obtained materials through Roofguard and Roofguard suppliers, using Roofguard’s name,” he said.
Mr Honchin said Mr Beaven’s work was defective.
“With rain, there were leaks – all sorts of problems came to the attention of Mr Burgess who then took his concerns initially to Troy Knuth and then QBCC ( Queensland Building and Construction Commission),” he said.
Mr Honchin said Mr Burgess recorded a phone call with Troy Knuth, who admitted he was aware of the contract.
“My client simply relied upon him, rightly or wrongly,” he said.
Barrister Viviana Keegan, for QBCC, said the evidence, including an invoice paid on May 21, showed Jeffrey Knuth had also been aware of the contract.
“( Jeffrey Knuth) said he was the only one that signed the cheques,” she said.
Ms Keegan said more detailed reasons had not been necessary.
The Knuth brothers were each fined $ 9000 and ordered to pay $ 5258 for charges including receiving excessive deposit under contract, failing to pay an insurance premium and carrying out work without a contractor’s licence. Troy has not lodged an appeal. Judge Douglas McGill will deliver his judgment at a later date.