The charges of contempt
12 I turn then to the charge which the ACCC makes against Mr Jones now, in respect of alleged contempts of court, and to his response to that statement of charge. The ACCC's statement of charge recites paras 1, 2 and 3 of the orders which I made on 5 March 2010. It does not recite para 4 (quoted above). That particular absence of recital assumed a significance in submissions that were made succinctly, but nonetheless ably for that, on his behalf by counsel who appeared for him. I shall deal later in these reasons with those submissions.
13 For the present, it should be noted that the allegation made by the ACCC in the statement of charge, that Mr Jones was present in Court when the orders were pronounced on 5 March 2010, is accurate. There is no contest that he was personally present on 5 March, nor is it in contest that he was present on 14 April 2010, when the application was made for the extension of time. Indeed, and as I have already recited, it was a material factor in relation to that extension that an undertaking was given by him personally that day.
14 The order of extension made on 14 April 2010 was not, on the evidence, served personally on Mr Jones. In the ordinary course of events in relation to para 3 and, necessarily (and I use that term "necessarily" deliberately) para 4, an absence of personal service of the extension would be a particular difficulty in relation to any subsequent application for him to be dealt with for contempt in respect of that particular group of orders. That is so because, in respect of any application for contempt, in the ordinary course of events, personal service is required, not only of a notice of motion for contempt (O 40 r 8 of the Federal Court Rules) but also before then of the order concerned.
15 The ACCC seeks to meet this particular gap by applying, pursuant to O 37 r 2(6) of the Federal Court Rules, for an order dispensing with the need for service of the 14 April 2010 orders, personally on Mr Jones.
16 Copies of the order as made were sent to his then solicitors. It is obvious on the evidence that attempts were made personally to serve Mr Jones, but the itinerant nature of his movements, to which he frankly confesses in evidence, made that difficult, and in the end impossible. I have no doubt at all though that Mr Jones was personally aware of the extension. As I have said, he was present in court when the extension was granted. In those circumstances, it seems to me appropriate to dispense with the need for personal service of the order of 14 April 2010, and I do so. In like fashion, he has answered the application, statement of charge and the affidavits filed in respect of the application for contempt. Insofar as the same may be necessary, I also dispense with the personal service of those materials.
17 To return then to the events alleged in the statement of charge, it is convenient to deal with these by reference to particular headings as set out in the statement of charge. I now quote the statement of charge, using the paragraph numbers as set out in it:
DJHRC website
9. From a date unknown to the applicant but from at least 12 May 2010 and until 14 May 2010 on the internet at http://www.darryljoneshealth.com.au the respondent, in trade or commerce, caused to be made either by himself or his servants or agents or otherwise representations to the effect that the occurrence or growth of cancer and other medical conditions can be prevented or successfully treated by means including nutrition, vitamin supplements and exercise.
10. The respondent did not, before making the representations referred to in paragraph 9 above, obtain the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders.
11. The respondent did not, at the time of making the representations referred to in paragraph 9 above, prominently disclose details of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders, including the name, qualifications and position of the person providing the said advice, as required by sub-paragraph 1.2 of the interlocutory orders.
12. The respondent did not, within 7 days of making the representations referred to in paragraph 9 above, provide to the applicant a copy of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders.
13. The respondent has not provided to the applicant a copy of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders, as at the date hereof.
14. From at least 12 May 2010 and until 14 May 2010, a notice as required by paragraph 2 of the interlocutory orders appeared on the website at http://www.darryljoneshealth.com.au, but the notice was not clearly viewable immediately on screen after the home page was accessed and required a further selection of a hyperlink to be seen.
15. From at least 12 May 2010 and until 14 May 2010, the respondent did not take all reasonable steps to ensure that a notice as required by paragraph 2 of the interlocutory orders:
15.1. was clearly viewable immediately on screen after the home page was accessed; and
15.2. did not require a further selection of hyperlinks or scrolling on the screen to be seen;
on the website at http://www.darryljoneshealth.com.au.
e-book
16. From a date unknown to the applicant but from at least 12 May 2010 and until 14 May 2010 in an electronic book entitled "The Truth About Overcoming Cancer", the respondent, in trade or commerce, caused to be made either by himself or his servants or agents or otherwise representations to the effect that the occurrence or growth of cancer can be prevented or successfully treated by means including nutrition, vitamin supplements and exercise.
17. The respondent did not, before making the representations referred to in paragraph 16 above, obtain the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders.
18. The respondent did not, at the time of making the representations referred to in paragraph 16 above, prominently disclose details of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders, including the name, qualifications and position of the person providing the said advice, as required by sub-paragraph 1.2 of the interlocutory orders.
19. The respondent did not, within 7 days of making the representations referred to in paragraph 16 above, provide to the applicant a copy of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders.
20. The respondent has not provided to the applicant a copy of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders, as at the date hereof.
FFHH website
21. From at least 18 May 2010, or alternatively from at least 26 March 2010, and until the date hereof, on the internet at http://faithhopehealing.org, the respondent, in trade or commerce, caused to be made either by himself or his servants or agents or otherwise representations to the effect that medical conditions can be prevented or successfully treated by means including nutrition, exercise and spiritual ministry.
22. The respondent did not, before making the representations referred to in paragraph 21 above, obtain the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders.
23. The respondent did not, at the time of making the representations referred to in paragraph 21 above, prominently disclose details of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders, including the name, qualifications and position of the person providing the said advice, as required by sub-paragraph 1.2 of the interlocutory orders.
24. The respondent did not, within 7 days of making the representations referred to in paragraph 21 above, provide to the applicant a copy of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders.
25. The respondent has not provided to the applicant a copy of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders, as at the date hereof.
FFHH Facebook profile
26. From a date unknown to the applicant but from at least 20 May 2010 and until the date hereof, on the internet at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108281715881872&v=wall&ref=search, the respondent, in trade or commerce, caused to be made either by himself or his servants or agents or otherwise representations to the effect that the occurrence or growth of cancer and other medical conditions can be prevented or successfully treated by means including nutrition and exercise.
27. The respondent did not, before making the representations referred to in paragraph 26 above, obtain the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders.
28. The respondent did not, at the time of making the representations referred to in paragraph 26 above, prominently disclose details of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders, including the name, qualifications and position of the person providing the said advice, as required by sub-paragraph 1.2 of the interlocutory orders.
29. The respondent did not, within 7 days of making the representations referred to in paragraph 26 above, provide to the applicant a copy of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders.
30. The respondent has not provided to the applicant a copy of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders, as at the date hereof.
DJH Facebook profile
31. From a date unknown to the applicant but from at least 16 December 2009, or alternatively from at least 20 May 2010, and until the date hereof, on the internet at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nambour-Australia/Darryl-Jones-Health/189459429421, the respondent, in trade or commerce, caused to be made either by himself or his servants or agents or otherwise representations to the effect that the occurrence or growth of cancer and other medical conditions can be prevented or successfully treated by him.
32. The respondent did not, before making the representations referred to in paragraph 31 above, obtain the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders.
33. The respondent did not, at the time of making the representations referred to in paragraph 31 above, prominently disclose details of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders, including the name, qualifications and position of the person providing the said advice, as required by sub-paragraph 1.2 of the interlocutory orders.
34. The respondent did not, within 7 days of making the representations referred to in paragraph 31 above, provide to the applicant a copy of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders.
35. The respondent has not provided to the applicant a copy of the written advice required by sub-paragraph 1.1 of the interlocutory orders, as at the date hereof.
36. From a date unknown to the applicant but from at least 5 March 2010 and until the date hereof, no notice as required by paragraph 2 of the interlocutory orders appeared on the website at website at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nambour-Australia/Darryl-Jones-Health/189459429421.
37. From a date unknown to the applicant but from at least 5 March 2010 and until the date hereof, the respondent did not take all reasonable steps to ensure that a notice as required by paragraph 2 of the interlocutory orders:
37.1. was clearly viewable immediately on screen after the web page was accessed; and
37.2. did not require a further selection of hyperlinks or scrolling on the screen to be seen;
on the website at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nambour-Australia/Darryl-Jones-Health/189459429421.
list of clients
38. The respondent did not provide the applicant with the list as required by paragraph 3 of the interlocutory orders and by the time extended by paragraph 1 of the 14 April 2010 orders.
39. The respondent has not provided the applicant with the list required by paragraph 3 of the orders as at the date hereof.
contempts
40. The respondent did not comply with paragraph 1 of the interlocutory orders, by the conduct set out at:
40.1. paragraphs 10, 11, 12 and 13 above;
40.2. paragraphs 17, 18, 19 and 20 above;
40.3. paragraphs 22, 23, 24 and 25 above;
40.4. paragraphs 27, 28, 29 and 30 above; and
40.5. paragraphs 32, 33, 34 and 35 above.
41. The respondent did not comply with paragraph 2 of the interlocutory orders by the conduct set out at paragraph 15, 36 and 37 above.
42. The respondent did not comply and continues not to comply with paragraph 3 of the interlocutory orders, by the extended time allowed in the 14 April 2010 orders, by the conduct set out at paragraphs 38 and 39 above.
18 In respect of the charge as made, Mr Jones makes the following response, he:
1 admits the contempt pleaded in paragraph 40.1 of the Statement of Charge, but says that the contempt was inadvertent and has been subsequently purged.
2 admits the contempt pleaded in paragraph 40.2 of the Statement of Charge, but says that the contempt was inadvertent and has been subsequently purged.
3 denies the contempt pleaded in paragraph 40.3 of the Statement of Charge, on the basis that it is not [his act].
4 denies the contempt pleaded in paragraph 40.4 of the Statement of Charge, on the basis that it is not [his act].
5 denies the contempt pleaded in paragraph 40.5 of the Statement of Charge, on the basis that it is not [his act].
6 admits in part the contempt pleaded in paragraph 41 of the Statement of Charge, but otherwise denies the contempt pleaded in paragraph 41.
Particulars:
(a) The Respondent admits the contempt pleaded in paragraph 41, as it goes to paragraph 15 of the Statement of Charge but says that the contempt was inadvertent and has subsequently been purged.
(b) The Respondent denies the contempts pleaded in paragraph 41, as it goes to paragraph 36 and 37 of the Statement of Charge, on the basis that they are not [his acts].
7 admits the contempt pleaded in paragraph 42 of the Statement of Charge, but says that the contempt was inadvertent and has subsequently been purged. [sic]
19 Some further recitation of Court events is necessary before turning to whether or not each or any of the contempts as alleged should be regarded as proved. On 21 May 2010, a directions hearing was held in these proceedings. At that time, neither Mr Jones personally, nor lawyers on his behalf appeared. I made directions on that date for the filing of any motions for, materially, contempt.
20 On 28 May 2010, and as provided for by the directions made on 21 May 2010, the present application for contempt was filed. That application was listed before me on 11 June 2010, as was for that matter a motion for default judgment in respect of an alleged failure to furnish further and better particulars as previously ordered. On that date, Mr Jones was represented by counsel. It transpired, having regard to evidence which was led on behalf of Mr Jones, that his solicitor, Ms Kinghan, had unfortunately encountered difficulties with her personal health, which had intruded on her ability to act for Mr Jones, particularly in relation to compliance with some interlocutory orders. Also on that date, Mr Jones, by his counsel, advised me that he wished to give evidence in relation to the contempt application. I adjourned the hearing of the contempt application to 22 June 2010. Also on 11 June 2010, I made directions in respect of the filing of evidence and a response to the statement of charge by Mr Jones.
21 As it transpired, it did not prove possible for the hearing of the contempt application to occur on 22 June 2010. That was because another unfortunate and unexpected health condition intruded, on this occasion, this time on the part of counsel long-briefed on behalf of the ACCC by the AGS to appear that day. As a result, the hearing of the application for Mr Jones to be dealt with for contempt was adjourned until 16 August 2010. That date was selected so as to enable counsel to appear on Mr Jones' behalf.
22 The position then in respect of the alleged contempts, having regard to the response, is that Mr Jones admits that he has not complied with para 1 of the orders that I made on 5 March 2010. He has not done so by making representations on the Darryl Jones Health Resolution Centre website between 12 May 2010 and 14 May 2010, to the effect that the occurrence or growth of cancer, or any medical condition, can be prevented or successfully treated by any means whatsoever, without first having a written certificate, by making such representations. That admission though is qualified by his allegation that the contempt was inadvertent and has subsequently been purged. The ACCC puts in issue whether there has been an inadvertent contempt in that regard.
23 In like fashion, Mr Jones admits non-compliance in the way alleged with para 1 of the interlocutory orders in respect of an electronic book entitled, "The Truth About Overcoming Cancer," between at least 12 May 2010 and 14 May 2010. Again, his allegation that the contempt was inadvertent is controversial.
24 So far as the allegation in respect of non-compliance with para 1 of the orders of 5 March 2010 relates to the Fellowship of Faith, Hope and Healing (the Fellowship) website, Mr Jones denies that alleged contempt. He likewise denies alleged contempts, both in respect of the Facebook profile for the Fellowship, and for that matter, a Facebook profile called Darryl Jones Health. So far as the Darryl Jones Health Facebook profile is concerned, Mr Jones denies the allegation on the basis that that Facebook profile's creation and maintenance was not his act.
25 In relation to para 2 of the orders of 5 March, Mr Jones admits that he has failed to take all reasonable steps to ensure the notice referred to in para 2 of the orders of 5 March was displayed in the manner required on the Darryl Jones Health Resolution Centre website. Again though, his allegation is this was inadvertent and again this allegation of inadvertence is not accepted by the ACCC.
26 Mr Jones admits further that he has not complied, and for that matter continues not to comply, with the requirements of para 3 of the orders of 5 March 2010 (ie those relating to the provision of a list). Again, his allegation is that the non-compliance was inadvertent and has been purged.
27 As foreshadowed earlier, he takes issue with the allegation of a contempt in respect of para 3 further, insofar as it relates to items set out in para 4 of the order of 5 March 2010, on the basis that that particular order (ie order 4), is not specified in the statement of charge.
28 Thus, even where there are admissions of particular breaches of the order of 5 March 2010, there remain controversial issues of fact for determination.