A Melbourne couple has secured a significant legal victory after a trash collection company dumped twenty-six filthy mattresses on their driveway in retaliation for a negative online review.
The Driveway Dumping That Started It All
Laura and Jarrod Maultby from Langwarrin in Melbourne's southeast found themselves in a nightmare legal situation that cost over $200,000 (£106,000) and threatened their family home. The dispute began simply enough when they hired Junk to remove a small pile of rotting wood from their yard in June last year.
The couple received a bill for $514 (£272) which they claim was unexpectedly high and subsequently didn't pay. The company argued the price had been clearly outlined. Buried in Junk's terms and conditions was a controversial clause stating that if a bill went unpaid, the company could return 'an equivalent amount of waste' to the customer's property.
Soon after, the Maultbys awoke to find 26 old, dirty mattresses dumped outside their Langwarrin home, triggering Laura Maultby's decision to post negative reviews about her experience.
Legal Battles Across Multiple Courts
Junk responded by launching a series of legal actions claiming the family had 'disparaged' the business and caused weekly revenue to drop by more than $25,000 (£13,200). The company alleged the Maultbys posted six separate 'false' reviews across TikTok, Google and review sites.
The legal war expanded across state lines with battles in both Victoria and Queensland courts. Three separate courts have now ruled in the Maultbys' favour, including the Queensland District Court which dismissed Junk's claim and awarded the couple costs.
Last month, another legal action in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal was thrown out, leaving just one remaining battle in the Supreme Court of Victoria. That court has now also sided with the family and awarded them indemnity costs.
Relief and Ongoing Uncertainty
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Laura Maultby described the court win as some 'relief' for her family but emphasised their battle continues. 'The court recognised it was unfair, they've recognised it hasn't been handled well,' she said.
Despite costs being awarded in two courts, the couple are still chasing payment and remain uncertain about how much they'll receive or when. 'We're relieved we've had three wins but the future is still uncertain,' Ms Maultby explained. 'We just want the costs paid so we can repay our elderly parents.'
The couple revealed they've spent more than $20,000 (£10,600) raised through GoFundMe on legal costs that will 'never be recuperated'. Their family home remains at risk as the Junk claim is still pending in the Supreme Court.
Ms Maultby expressed hope that their experience 'shines a light on how drawn-out and damaging legal cases are for ordinary people,' describing the past twelve months as 'harrowing' and 'the worst 12 months of our lives.'
