Benj Geerling of Shepparton

Wins wrongful conviction and defamation settlement of $467,000

RSPCA Victoria and Greater Shepparton city council have been ordered to pay Mr Geerling $467,000 for a 2018 finding that Mr Geerling had operated an unregistered domestic animal business and failed to give a sick animals veterinary care. No conviction was recorded because at the time Mr Geerling plead guilty.

The civil proceedings were heard at the High court little Bourke st Melbourne on Thursday . Judge Bob Kumar remarked in his findings that it was clear that both the RSPCA and Greater Shepparton city council respective representatives had pursued their own agendas when dealing with Mr Geerling and on at least one occasion fabricated evidence in relation to the charge of having an unregistered cat. It is clear in my opinion that Mr Geerling was subjected to an over whelming and unjustified abuse of power by government departments, a force that left Mr Geerling with no option than to plead guilty or face financial hardship.

Maurice Blackburn  lawyers representing Mr Geerling made a statement on Mr Geerling’s behalf.

It has take some six years for justice to be served in this matter and we feel today with this finding that justice has now been served.

The Daily Mail contacted the RSPCA and Greater Shepparton City Council for comment, both parties declined.