A1 Perfect Plumbing v BMW Prestige

FEDERAL MAGISTRATES COURT OF AUSTRALIA

A1 PERFECT PLUMBING & ANOR v BMW PRESTIGE [2006] FMCA 674

TRADE PRACTICES − Where theft of motor vehicle held in defendant’s possession for the purpose of repairs − whether misleading or deceptive conduct under s.52 Trade Practices Act 1974 in representing respondent would service and return the motor vehicle to the applicant − whether unconscionable conduct in business transaction under ss.51AB & 51AC of the TPA.

BAILMENT − Where bailment of hire of work and labour − whether defendant bailee discharged burden to prove appropriate care was taken of the bailed good − whether defendant bailee discharged onus to prove failure to take appropriate care did not contribute to loss of bailed good − whether defendant provided sufficient security measures and took reasonable precautions to prevent theft and ensure safety of motor vehicle.

Trade Practices Act 1974, ss.52, 51AB, 51AC, 51A
Federal Magistrates Court Rules 2001, Pt 21 Rule 21.10

Mooregate Tobacco v Phillip Morris (1981) 45 CLR 457
Tottenham Investments Pty Ltd v Carburettor Services Pty Ltd (1994) ATR 81-292
Frank Hauser v Mark Dykes Pty Ltd [1960] VR 376
Davis v Pearce Parking Station [1954] 91 CLR 642
Edelson v Musty’s Service Station & Garage (1956) OWN 848
Houghland v RR Low (Luxury Coaches) Ltd (1962) 2 All ER 159
Gerrard & Anor v Slamar [2004] WASCA 253
Hobbs v Petersham Transport Pty Ltd [1971] 124 CLR 220
Scoway Pty Ltd v Faxon Pty Ltd [2004] FCA 249

Halsbury’s Laws of Australia [40-385], [40-405]
Palmer on Bailment, 2^nd Edition (1991) (The Law Book Company Limited, Sydney), [49]
Court Forms, Precedents and Pleadings – NSW [15,005]

First Applicant:	A1 PERFECT PLUMBING PTY LIMITED
Second Applicant:	REEMA TOUMA

Respondent: BMW PRESTIGE PTY LIMITED T/AS ALTO BMW

File number: SYG 1555/2005

Judgment of: Raphael FM

Hearing date: 3 May 2006

Date of last submission: 3 May 2006

Delivered at: Sydney

Delivered on: 11 May 2006

REPRESENTATION

Counsel for the Applicant: C. Evatt

Solicitors for the Applicant: Teakle Ormsby George

Counsel for the Respondent: A. Parker

Solicitors for the Respondent: Moroney Betts

ORDERS

1. Respondent to pay the applicant the sum of $89,425.80 as damages for breach of the contract of bailment made on 31 May 2004.

2. Respondent to pay the applicant interest upon the said damages in the sum of $15,677.69.

3. Respondent to pay the applicant’s costs to be assessed in accordance with Part 21 Rule 21.10 of the Federal Magistrates Court Rules 2001.

FEDERAL MAGISTRATES
COURT OF AUSTRALIA AT
SYDNEY

SYG 1555 of 2005

A1 PERFECT PLUMBING PTY LIMITED

First Applicant

REEMA TOUMA
Second Applicant

And

BMW PRESTIGE PTY LIMITED T/AS ALTO BMW

Respondent

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT

(As corrected)

1. On the morning of 31 May 2004 Ms Reema Touma drove the first applicant’s BMW 201-M3 coupe, registration number 0187, to the respondent’s service centre, where it had been booked in for some warranty and other service work to be carried out. Upon arrival at about 10:30a.m. she saw Gregory William…