The NSW government has again issued a warning for people not to deal with an unlicensed building contractor who has previously “preyed” on Illawarra homeowners.
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Matthew Rixon, who is known to have used many aliases, has been permanently banned from working in the home building industry.
A bench warrant was issued for Rixon’s arrest on January 12 after he failed to appear in the NSW Supreme Court.
He had previously pleaded guilty to contempt of court charges for defying court orders banning him from doing residential building work in NSW.
The 33-year-old was also not present on January 30 when the matter was again before the Supreme Court.
Rixon is known to have operated in the Newcastle area, Sydney metropolitan area and in the Illawarra, as well as Queensland and the ACT.
He has used the aliases Matt Geoffrey, Matthew Ewing, Andrew Gough, Matthew Douglas and Patrick Harding.
Rixon has also traded under a number of different business names including Rixco Fencing, Rixco Group, Rixco Constructions, Deck A Day, Quality Building Solutions and Affordable Home Services.
The NSW Supreme Court banned him from conducting or being engaged in any residential building work or specialist work in April 2013.
He was also prohibited from acting as a sole trader or company director, as a trustee or trust beneficiary, and cannot enter into a partnership or engage other people to carry out work on his behalf.
In July 2014, NSW Fair Trading received a tip-off that Rixon was operating in the Sutherland Shire and Illawarra areas.
A subsequent warning was issued, which described Rixon as a serial offender who undertook unlicensed fencing, decking and minor building works under various names.
In 2014, the Supreme Court found Rixon falsely represented to owners of houses in Lake Heights, Mount Ousley, Dapto, Loftus and Eastwood that he was licensed to carry out building work, and in some cases, took deposits for the job and began the work.
In court at the time, Justice Peter Garling said Rixon had “preyed” on home owners in order to peddle his scheme, and was the prime mover in the shonky companies.
On Friday, NSW Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean issued a public warning, the fifth of its kind.
“I’m urging consumers to heed this warning and not engage Rixon or any entities associated with him, in any sort of building work,” Mr Kean said.
Anyone who has dealt with Rixon should notify Fair Trading on 13 32 20.
Those with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A full list of company names linked to Rixon is on the Fair Trading website.