The Federal Magistrates Court of Australia has declared Mr Bon Levi bankrupt.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission filed a creditor's petition against Mr Levi following his failure to pay $38,000 in costs to the ACCC pursuant to an order of the Federal Court of Australia. The order was made by consent on 28 February 2005 by Justice Kiefel in respect of proceedings brought by the ACCC against Mr Levi for breaches of the Trade Practices Act 1974.
"This matter demonstrates the ACCC's commitment to monitoring and enforcing compliance with court orders made against companies and individuals who breach the Act", ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today.
In the 2005 orders, Justice Kiefel also granted injunctions against Mr Levi for a period of five years. The injunctions require him to provide a copy of the orders and certain information, including details of his previous business experience and aliases to prospective investors.
"In addition to Federal Court injunctions, Mr Levi is now also required to comply with obligations under the Bankruptcy Act 1959", Mr Samuel said.
On 25 September 2006, the WA Consumer Protection Commissioner Mr Patrick Walker issued a news statement warning Western Australian consumers about Mr Levi's activities.
On 28 February 2005, the Federal Court of Australia declared that Mr Levi had breached the Trade Practices Act 1974 in respect of promotion of the 'Little Joe' and 'Joey's' franchises, including distributorships to deliver snack foods, cookies and fruit juices. Mr Levi consented to declarations that he had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct and breaches of the Franchising Code of conduct. Mr Levi also consented to an order to pay $40,000 to the ACCC in costs.
Aliases previously used by Mr Levi include: Ronald Frederick Heelan, Ronald Frederick, Roddy Farrow, Brett Wyatt and Ronald White.
Related news releases: MR 150/04, 6 August 2004, ACCC takes court action against Bon Levi over the sale of Little Joe and Joey's businesses; MR 057/05, 14 March 2005, Court declares Bon Levi misled franchisees over 'Little Joe' and 'Joey's' businesses.
