Greek Australian Pensioner Fined $120,000 for Cheese-Making

A Greek Australian pensioner from the city of Adelaide has been fined more than $120,000 after repeatedly ignoring court orders to dismantle an illegal cheese-making operation at his suburban home, a case that has sparked heated debate and widespread public reaction.

John Kitsis, a resident of West Croydon, was found guilty of contempt of court in February after the Environment, Resources and Development Court ruled that he had “wilfully disobeyed” orders to remove dairy manufacturing equipment from his backyard property.

According to a ruling published in December, Kitsis was first instructed in March 2020 to remove the equipment within 30 days. However, he did not comply until June 2025—several months after his conviction.

“This contempt is at the higher end of seriousness,” Judge Michael Durrant said, noting the prolonged failure to comply with the court’s orders.

The City of Charles Sturt Council was initially alerted to the situation in April 2018, following an alleged complaint from a neighbour. During subsequent inspections, council officers found that a garage and rumpus room at the rear of the property had been converted into a self-contained space fitted with cooking appliances and laundry facilities.

Kitsis and his son Paul, who later ran for mayor of Charles Sturt, told council officers they had approval to operate a cheese business but claimed it had not begun trading. While authorities did not confirm the type of cheese being produced, reports suggested it may have been halloumi.

The court heard that Kitsis had repeatedly ignored council and court directives and was even jailed briefly after failing to appear in court. Judge Durrant described his non-compliance as deliberate, adding that he placed little weight on the pensioner’s “last-minute” apology.

Despite the significant fine, the judge declined to impose further penalties, citing Kitsis’ advanced age and limited income, and ruled that time already spent in custody was sufficient punishment.

The case has prompted strong reactions across Australia, with many criticising the prosecution as excessive and an example of government overreach. Others defended the court’s actions, arguing that public health, waste management, and community safety concerns justified the enforcement action.

Social media users also seized on the case to make light-hearted cheese-related jokes, with comments ranging from “Let the man go, brie of charge,” to “Ignoring the court—that’s not gouda.”