0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Meet the Sheriffs. - Let's go and introduce ourselves.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06We're High Court enforcement officers.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08We're here today to execute a High Court writ.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11They're the men who whose job it is to get you your money back.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13It's an arrestable offence to stop me doing my job.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16They're High Court enforcement officers charged by law
0:00:16 > 0:00:19to recover what a court says is rightfully yours.
0:00:19 > 0:00:20I'm not waiting any more.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23If you've been ripped off and don't know where to turn...
0:00:23 > 0:00:25I'm ordered to seize goods to clear this debt,
0:00:25 > 0:00:27which would mean clearing this place out.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31If you've been to court but still not been paid what you're owed...
0:00:31 > 0:00:33Why don't you just tell me who you are?
0:00:33 > 0:00:35This is an absolute crock. You need to pay this.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37I've seized your car, sir.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40You can either let us through the door or we'll go through the window.
0:00:40 > 0:00:41It's time to call the sheriffs.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Just collected 42 grand.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Coming up...
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Michael Martin was plunged into debt after being unfairly dismissed
0:00:53 > 0:00:55by a cleaning company.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57I was trying to juggle this little bit of money you've got,
0:00:57 > 0:01:00it just builds up and up and up...
0:01:00 > 0:01:01and it's just horrible.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06When it comes to getting his money, can the sheriffs clean up?
0:01:06 > 0:01:08Because we have a High Court writ ordering us
0:01:08 > 0:01:10to come here and seize goods.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14Pub landlord Graham Short was forced to call last orders
0:01:14 > 0:01:20on the £10,000 wind turbines he bought, because they didn't work.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22The turbines weren't even generating enough electricity
0:01:22 > 0:01:24to power a light bulb.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27The sheriffs go in search of the money he's owed.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32And this Ferrari garage sees red, when Lawrence and Kev
0:01:32 > 0:01:36try to get £30,000 owed to an unhappy customer.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40I have to tell you, mate, if you try and shut me in here,
0:01:40 > 0:01:41that's an arrestable offence.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46In the country,
0:01:46 > 0:01:47in the city,
0:01:47 > 0:01:49on land
0:01:49 > 0:01:51and sometimes even on sea -
0:01:51 > 0:01:53High Court enforcement officers, commonly known as sheriffs,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56will go anywhere a court tells them to,
0:01:56 > 0:01:58to collect money on your behalf.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Clocking up more motorway miles this morning,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06enforcement officers Lawrence Grix and Kev McNally
0:02:06 > 0:02:08are on their way to Birmingham,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12tasked with helping someone else get what's rightfully theirs.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16A court of law decided that the bosses at a cleaning company
0:02:16 > 0:02:20unfairly dismissed one of their staff.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23The company still hasn't paid their former employee
0:02:23 > 0:02:25the thousands of pounds he's owed.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29The man they're on their way to help
0:02:29 > 0:02:32is window cleaner and father-of-four Michael Martin.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35He got a job as a cleaner
0:02:35 > 0:02:38at a company called Globe Cleaning and Maintenance Limited.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40He was soon promoted to contract manager.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42It was a job he loved.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45They say you don't live to work but I did for that company -
0:02:45 > 0:02:47I travelled all over the country for them.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51I even pushed my kids and my wife to one side
0:02:51 > 0:02:54because I thought more of the company than I did of them,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56and it was wrong.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59I was working like 17, 18 hours a day,
0:02:59 > 0:03:01seven days a week without fail.
0:03:01 > 0:03:02I was always working.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Never turned nothing down.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06Despite his dedication,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09it's also a job that's seen him forced to go to court
0:03:09 > 0:03:11and brought him to the doors of the sheriffs for help.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20After three and a half years at the company,
0:03:20 > 0:03:24Michael was unceremoniously dismissed without, in his opinion,
0:03:24 > 0:03:27being given adequate reasons why.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29They just wanted to get rid of me, push me out the door.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34They said, "That's the way, I ain't having none of you no more."
0:03:34 > 0:03:37With four children and a wife relying on his income,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40losing his job was devastating for Michael.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43I was really, really gutted.
0:03:43 > 0:03:44It really hurt me,
0:03:44 > 0:03:46to think all what I put in.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Debt coming from everywhere and you're trying to juggle
0:03:49 > 0:03:52this little bit of money that you've got and it ain't happening.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56I just don't know where to turn, don't know what to do,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58I'm robbing Peter to pay Paul.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00Debt letters coming in and...
0:04:00 > 0:04:02It just builds up and up and up.
0:04:04 > 0:04:05It's just horrible.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09Michael wasn't going to take his dismissal lying down.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11He decided to take Globe Cleaning and Maintenance
0:04:11 > 0:04:13to an employment tribunal.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15I just didn't think what they done to me was fair
0:04:15 > 0:04:18and I weren't letting them get away with it.
0:04:18 > 0:04:19It was a real challenge
0:04:19 > 0:04:23as Michael has severe difficulties reading and writing.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Unable to afford a solicitor, he chose to represent himself.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29I went to court, I stood on my own two feet
0:04:29 > 0:04:31and I just weren't going to let them win,
0:04:31 > 0:04:32didn't matter what happened.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35After what he'd done to me. I just...
0:04:35 > 0:04:36Everything he chucked at me
0:04:36 > 0:04:38and I just kept fighting back and fighting back.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41During all this,
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Michael then had to cope with the death of his wife's mother.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47With no money, they were unable to afford a funeral
0:04:47 > 0:04:50and had to borrow money from relatives to give her
0:04:50 > 0:04:54an appropriate send-off, plunging them further into debt.
0:04:55 > 0:04:56That's how it is.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Globe Cleaning and Maintenance attended the tribunal
0:05:01 > 0:05:05and contested Michael's case, but representing himself,
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Michael won his claim for unfair dismissal.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13The judge awarded him £10,969.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16For Michael, it was total vindication of his decision
0:05:16 > 0:05:18to fight the case in the first place.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22When he awarded it, I just walked out of the court room
0:05:22 > 0:05:26and I just punched my hands in the air. "Yes, I've done it."
0:05:27 > 0:05:30But despite his tribunal ruling,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Globe Cleaning and Maintenance wouldn't pay up.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36It was just dragging on and dragging on,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39and then I was getting no closer,
0:05:39 > 0:05:45Christmas was coming, I had to cancel Christmas for my kids and after Christmas,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48I just decided myself I need to go to a solicitor
0:05:48 > 0:05:50and get help from them.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54The solicitor took the matter to the High Court and got a writ.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Michael then called in the help of the sheriffs.
0:05:57 > 0:05:58They're his last hope
0:05:58 > 0:06:01if he's to get any of the money he's owed.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04And it's Lawrence and Kev who have been tasked
0:06:04 > 0:06:05with enforcing Michael's writ,
0:06:05 > 0:06:11which with costs and interest now comes to nearly £13,000.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Lawrence and Kev have arrived -
0:06:13 > 0:06:16and it looks like they've tracked Globe down -
0:06:16 > 0:06:18the company's vans are in the car park.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21The sheriffs need to work fast.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24They block the company van in, in case they need to seize it
0:06:24 > 0:06:26to clear the debt to Michael.
0:06:28 > 0:06:29Hello there,
0:06:29 > 0:06:33looking for Globe Cleaning and Maintenance Company Ltd.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35Right, not Globe Cleaning and Maintenance Limited.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Cos this is the registered address
0:06:37 > 0:06:39of Globe Cleaning and Maintenance Limited.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42An employee at the address says that the Globe cleaning company
0:06:42 > 0:06:46he works for is completely different to the Globe cleaning company
0:06:46 > 0:06:48the sheriffs are after.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50But Lawrence isn't buying it.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52I'm here today to execute a High Court writ.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55We're here today to seize company assets from
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Globe Cleaning and Maintenance Company Limited
0:06:57 > 0:07:01to the tune of just under £13,000.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04The employee suggests they talk inside.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07The company front door is as far as our cameras are allowed.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Lawrence's conversation with the Globe employee
0:07:10 > 0:07:12continues behind closed doors.
0:07:14 > 0:07:1515 minutes later -
0:07:15 > 0:07:19and the conversation doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22The employee continues to insist it's a different company,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25but Lawrence still has his doubts.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27We have sufficient reason to believe
0:07:27 > 0:07:29that Globe Cleaning and Maintenance Limited
0:07:29 > 0:07:31does have assets at this address.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34There's all the accreditations on the wall
0:07:34 > 0:07:36for Globe Cleaning and Maintenance Limited.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39While Lawrence continues to battle for the money
0:07:39 > 0:07:43that's rightfully Michael's, Kev heads outside.
0:07:43 > 0:07:44To keep the pressure on,
0:07:44 > 0:07:48he notes the details of the vehicles in the car park.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52If no payment's forthcoming today, the sheriffs will seize them
0:07:52 > 0:07:54for auction to pay off the debt.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Any car or van owned by the company is fair game.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04Finally, Lawrence's firm but fair approach seems to be working.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08One of the company directors is put on the phone to him.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Your colleague's just reading the writ now where it orders us,
0:08:11 > 0:08:14if we don't seize goods here today we're in contempt of court
0:08:14 > 0:08:17because we have a High Court writ ordering us
0:08:17 > 0:08:19to come here and seize goods.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21We're not breaking the law, sir.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24You've got your opinion, I know exactly where I stand
0:08:24 > 0:08:28and I've got a writ that tells your colleagues where I stand on this.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30After nearly two hours of to-ing and fro-ing,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33the sheriffs' determination to remove assets
0:08:33 > 0:08:36if no payment's received seems to have had an effect.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Lawrence and Kev emerge to fill us in.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43The directors weren't there, one was skiing somewhere
0:08:43 > 0:08:46and the other one was down in London for the day.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48We seized everything
0:08:48 > 0:08:51and the director authorised a payment to be made.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56They transferred the full balance of £12,982.49 into our account.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58It's a great result for Lawrence and Kev -
0:08:58 > 0:09:00their persistence paid off.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04And it's wonderful news for Michael and his family.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Thanks to the sheriffs, he has now been paid, in full.
0:09:14 > 0:09:15Lawrence and Kev work
0:09:15 > 0:09:19for this High Court enforcement company in south London.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Managing Director David Carter
0:09:21 > 0:09:24has over ten years' experience in this line of work.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26Sheriff's are High Court enforcement officers
0:09:26 > 0:09:28and we enforce county court judgments.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Most of the public don't realise they can use us.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38If you win a court judgment for over £600, but don't get paid,
0:09:38 > 0:09:40all isn't lost.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Your judgment can be transferred up to
0:09:42 > 0:09:45the High Court for enforcement, for a fee of £60.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48The Sheriffs will then enforce the writ
0:09:48 > 0:09:49against the debtor on your behalf.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52My name's Mr Grix, I'm an enforcement officer,
0:09:52 > 0:09:53I'm here with a High Court writ.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57If the sheriffs are successful, there's nothing more to pay.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01If they're not, the only cost is a £60 fee plus VAT.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05But asking debtors for your money can be a risky business.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11We've had a variety of incidents with our officers on the road -
0:10:11 > 0:10:12one was run over by a car.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13MAN: Whoa, whoa, whoa.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15We've had one stabbed.
0:10:15 > 0:10:16Don't push. Don't push!
0:10:16 > 0:10:18They get threatened on many occasions.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23You need a variety of skills, and these include negotiation.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Solution would be - potentially a part payment today.
0:10:26 > 0:10:27Needs diplomacy.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29I will listen to what you've got to tell me,
0:10:29 > 0:10:31I will always pay you the courtesy of doing that.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33But it's also being authoritative
0:10:33 > 0:10:35and making people understand the powers that you have.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38As an enforcement officer executing a High Court writ,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42I can force entry into a commercial premises if necessary.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44As High Court enforcement officers
0:10:44 > 0:10:47we recover around £65 million a year for unpaid creditors
0:10:47 > 0:10:49and these are people that are owed the money.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51They've been through court, they've got their judgment
0:10:51 > 0:10:53and still the debtor hasn't paid.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55Right, well, I hope I won't see you again.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- Hopefully not. - Not under these circumstances.- No.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01We're also the good guys for a lot of people.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11The sun's not yet up but for enforcement officers
0:11:11 > 0:11:15Marc Newton and Tony Smith, their working day's all ready begun.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18They're on their way to their first job of the day.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22We're off to a residential address in Bideford in Devon.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29We're looking for £13,500 from a company called
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Smart Power Products Limited.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35The person they're trying to help is pub landlord
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Graham Short from Dartmoor in Devon.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42When he paid to install wind turbines on his pub roof,
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Graham thought he would be doing his bit to save the planet
0:11:45 > 0:11:46while also saving money.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51Instead, it's cost him thousands, left him forced to go to court
0:11:51 > 0:11:54and relying on the sheriffs for help.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57He has put the nail in the coffin for renewable energy
0:11:57 > 0:11:59as far as I'm concerned.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03I'm very, very annoyed, almost to say furious.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06You get to a point where you think, "Why did I even bother to do this?"
0:12:15 > 0:12:18Graham's troubles started when he decided that,
0:12:18 > 0:12:22given his pub's remote location, it needed a backup power supply.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Being on the edge of Dartmoor,
0:12:26 > 0:12:29having notorious power cuts in the winter,
0:12:29 > 0:12:31we needed an electrical backup system,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33which would keep our gas operation system going
0:12:33 > 0:12:36cos as soon as the electric cuts out, the gas cuts out.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41His search for a new energy system brought him to self-styled,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44wind turbine expert, Rupert Sweet-Escott -
0:12:44 > 0:12:47who claimed to have the perfect solution.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51One which was not only green, but would also, he said,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54"Considerably reduce the running costs of the pub."
0:12:55 > 0:12:57We were advised by Mr Escott,
0:12:57 > 0:13:01that we could save up to 25, 30%
0:13:01 > 0:13:03of our electricity bills across the year.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07In this economic climate you've got to save every penny you can,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09where you can. If the wind is blowing
0:13:09 > 0:13:14and providing free energy for me to stay open me, that's brilliant.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Impressed by the figures
0:13:16 > 0:13:19and by the design of the prototype wind turbine chimneys,
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Graham was eager to go ahead.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25He paid Mr Sweet-Escott £5,000 up front
0:13:25 > 0:13:28to get on with installing them on his pub roof.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31So, there will be two...
0:13:31 > 0:13:33towers, looking like chimneys...
0:13:34 > 0:13:35..on top of the existing roof.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38I thought I was going to be happy because soon it's going to be up
0:13:38 > 0:13:41and running and it's all going to be singing and dancing and lovely.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43But as months passed,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Mr Sweet-Escott failed to start the job,
0:13:46 > 0:13:49blaming a series of problems for the delays.
0:13:50 > 0:13:51Finally, after a whole year,
0:13:51 > 0:13:54work commenced with Mr Sweet-Escott
0:13:54 > 0:13:57installing his revolutionary turbines himself,
0:13:57 > 0:13:59as shown in these photos.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03Graham paid another £5,000 for the hardware.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05But when the installation was complete,
0:14:05 > 0:14:09the long-awaited wind turbines were far from the mean, green,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12electricity-generating machines he'd been promised.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Basically they never worked from day one.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17They would be vibrating,
0:14:17 > 0:14:19and the wind would be catching between the blades,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22and it would be like similar to a Chinook helicopter going overhead
0:14:22 > 0:14:28and there was a strong thud, thud, thud, thud, thud, thud.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32That would be constant all day long, that's all you would hear.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Obviously the main issue was the fact that they didn't work.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39We had them tested out and the turbines weren't even generating
0:14:39 > 0:14:43enough electricity to power a light bulb.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47Rupert Sweet-Escott tried several times without success
0:14:47 > 0:14:49to fix the problems with the turbines.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53Becoming convinced his explanations for why they weren't working
0:14:53 > 0:14:55were nothing more than hot air,
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Graham had reached the end of his tether.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Mr Sweet-Escott agreed to take back his noisy turbines
0:15:04 > 0:15:06and return Graham's full payment.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09However, with the turbines gone,
0:15:09 > 0:15:11Graham's still waiting for his money.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14All I have left...
0:15:14 > 0:15:15is an empty roof.
0:15:15 > 0:15:21My bit towards renewable energy and a greener environment is gone
0:15:21 > 0:15:24and I'm £11,000 worse off for it.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Graham's only option left was to take him to court.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32Mr Sweet-Escott failed to contest the case.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34A judgment was issued,
0:15:34 > 0:15:38ordering Mr Sweet-Escott to pay Graham £11,280.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43But since then he's ignored the judgment and still failed to pay up.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49Now it's down to Marc and Tony to pay him a visit
0:15:49 > 0:15:50and ask for the money in person.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55It's still dark when the Sheriffs arrive at Mr Sweet-Escott's house.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57They go to introduce themselves.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59That's quite loud.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12DOG BARKS
0:16:12 > 0:16:14There you go, that's their dog.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Marc's managed to wake up a dog inside
0:16:16 > 0:16:18but no-one's answering the door.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21And he's noticed something else that suggests
0:16:21 > 0:16:23they may have had a wasted journey.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27I'm hoping he's not away because there's mail piled up there.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- And they might have someone come in and let the dog out.- Could do.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34There's no movement at all.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36I really don't think there's anybody in.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38They're about to starting listing goods to seize,
0:16:38 > 0:16:42when suddenly, someone seems to have stirred.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Oh, here we are, Tone. Someone here now.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48I'm after...
0:16:51 > 0:16:54..Smart Power Products Limited.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58It's about an outstanding High Court writ that's been issued.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01It's the man they need to speak to, Rupert Sweet-Escott.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06He invites the sheriffs in but tells our camera to stay outside.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Marc gets straight to the point, and with additional interest,
0:17:09 > 0:17:12court and sheriffs' fees, the bill has gone up.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17It's about a High Court writ that's been issued, 13,500.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18No? OK.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21The situation where we have to start removing stuff if you can't,
0:17:21 > 0:17:23that's what we're here to do.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24How much could you do?
0:17:24 > 0:17:28Mr Sweet-Escott offers to pay them £500.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30With over 13,000 outstanding,
0:17:30 > 0:17:33this isn't going to work for Marc and Tony.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35We really should collect the full amount.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37We have to collect the full amount.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39We have to execute the writ.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Mr Sweet-Escott maintains he can't afford to pay.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46Marc warns him of what the consequences of this might be.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49If we can't get half, we'll have to remove goods.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51With the sheriffs keeping the pressure up,
0:17:51 > 0:17:54Mr Sweet-Escott significantly ups his offer -
0:17:54 > 0:17:55£3,000.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58All right, I'll do three grand now.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01How do you want to do it? Do you want to do it on the debit card?
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Marc's tough stance has had the desired effect.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08With night turning to day, they're leaving with money in the bank
0:18:08 > 0:18:11and an offer from Rupert Sweet-Escott
0:18:11 > 0:18:13to settle the rest of the debt in monthly instalments.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15Got a quarter of the debt.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20He's not happy but unfortunately we've got the writ
0:18:20 > 0:18:21and he needs to pay that.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23I wouldn't be surprised
0:18:23 > 0:18:25if in the pile of letters is the original court paperwork
0:18:25 > 0:18:28that's he's just not opened and done anything with.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31If the defendant doesn't keep making payments as promised,
0:18:31 > 0:18:35the sheriffs will be back to remove goods to cover the debt.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38More importantly, it means Graham Short will finally
0:18:38 > 0:18:41get at least some of his money, even if
0:18:41 > 0:18:44he'll have to look elsewhere for an alternative means of backup power.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47I'm glad that the sheriffs have managed to go round
0:18:47 > 0:18:50and see Mr Sweet-Escott and retrieve at least some of my money,
0:18:50 > 0:18:52which is a start.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54I feel confident I will get all the money eventually.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58Now the ball is rolling and the sheriffs are involved in the matter,
0:18:58 > 0:19:02then, yes, we will keep on top of it until we do get a little...
0:19:02 > 0:19:03Yes.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06And since the sheriffs visited Mr Sweet-Escott's home,
0:19:06 > 0:19:10he asked to put his side of the story, saying Graham Short knew
0:19:10 > 0:19:14the technology was experimental and early on he had offered a refund.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20Of course, it's my responsibility. I accept the full blame.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Hands up, I'm sorry, Graham.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24He did refuse a refund.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29I said, "Listen, this product is not ready at this time."
0:19:29 > 0:19:34Which, in my book, basically means I can take my time, I can get it right.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38This is the name of the game with new development of new products,
0:19:38 > 0:19:39it takes time.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Mr Sweet-Escott also explained why
0:19:44 > 0:19:47he hadn't got the court paperwork earlier.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Nowadays nobody reads the post.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Everyone reads their inbox, you know?
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Post is very 19th cent...
0:19:56 > 0:19:5820th century, isn't it?
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Isn't it?
0:20:01 > 0:20:03Following the sheriffs' visit, Mr Sweet-Escott is now
0:20:03 > 0:20:07negotiating paying off the rest of the debt in instalments.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Enforcement officers Lawrence and Kev
0:20:17 > 0:20:21are today on their way to a car dealers in west London.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24The company, Verdi Ferrari Aftersales Limited
0:20:24 > 0:20:29sold a Ferrari for a member of the public for £27,995.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32But the customer never got his money.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34After trying everything to get his cash,
0:20:34 > 0:20:38the car owner went to the County Court to get a judgment.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40He then transferred this to the High Court
0:20:40 > 0:20:42and got a writ for the money he's owed.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Now the sheriffs are about to enforce it.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48They've visited the garage before, but the boss, Mr Verdi,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50went to court to get a stay to delay
0:20:50 > 0:20:54them removing goods that they could have sold to cover the debt.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56That stay has now been overturned.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59We won't be taking our time with this one
0:20:59 > 0:21:01because he managed to get the stay last time.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03So we'll be going in demanding full payment.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11The sheriffs will be looking for various company assets today,
0:21:11 > 0:21:16including two Ferrari diagnostic kits worth £20,000 each.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20As High Court enforcement officers, they're entitled to pick them up
0:21:20 > 0:21:22and walk straight out with them.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Mr Verdi here at all?
0:21:28 > 0:21:29Mr Verdi here at all.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32I'm asking you, is he here at all?
0:21:36 > 0:21:38Is somebody able to get him on the phone at all?
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Is he upstairs?
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Is he in the office?
0:21:47 > 0:21:51Not getting any response, they head upstairs to see if Mr Verdi's there
0:21:51 > 0:21:55and, more importantly, to start their removal of goods.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59They're hoping it will prompt someone in authority into paying up.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01How you doing?
0:22:01 > 0:22:05I think we can safely say, that's not Mr Verdi.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09Hi. I'm a High Court enforcement officer.
0:22:09 > 0:22:10I was here before.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16We've got a High Court writ to seize goods on the premises
0:22:16 > 0:22:17to cover a debt.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20We're actually going to start removing goods now.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23So, those computers need to be backed up.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26While the receptionist backs up the computers,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Lawrence goes on the hunt for the two valuable
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Ferrari diagnostic kits he spotted last time.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34When it comes to commercial properties,
0:22:34 > 0:22:37High Court enforcement officers have access all areas.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40They can break through doors if necessary.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Lawrence has found one of the kits.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52Go and get that diagnostic stuff off there.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54I don't care what asset tags they put on there,
0:22:54 > 0:22:55it wasn't on there last time,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58we've seized it last time we've had no third party claim,
0:22:58 > 0:23:00so we'll take it.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02We'll try and find the other one.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06While Kev confiscates the £20,000 diagnostic kit,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Lawrence checks outside for any cars that can be removed.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11I've just been looking round,
0:23:11 > 0:23:15there doesn't seem to be any of the cars that were here last time.
0:23:15 > 0:23:16That's not unexpected because
0:23:16 > 0:23:19we believe customers' cars being worked on.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23Lawrence spots something suspicious going on in the garage.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26I have to tell you, mate, if you try and shut me in here,
0:23:26 > 0:23:29by pulling the shutter down, that's an arrestable offence.
0:23:29 > 0:23:30I'm just warning you
0:23:30 > 0:23:33because obviously the shutter's come down over there.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36With no sign of the garage owner, or any payment,
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Lawrence decides not to wait around.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42He and Kev pack up any assets of value and remove them.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46No-one seems keen to tell us who they are or who they represent.
0:23:46 > 0:23:51We'll let them crack on until someone claims to be him.
0:23:51 > 0:23:52We'll see.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Next, the CCTV system is removed.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03Grab that monitor, mate, I've got the control unit.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Have you got the light bit, yeah?
0:24:06 > 0:24:08I've got the bit I can carry in one hand
0:24:08 > 0:24:10with my briefcase in the other, mate.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13The removal of the kit has clearly upped the ante.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17A man who refuses to identify himself wants to make a deal
0:24:17 > 0:24:18to stop the removal.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21But it may just be a stalling manoeuvre
0:24:21 > 0:24:25while the owner tries to get another stay from the court.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27If you get me 17 grand...
0:24:27 > 0:24:30in the next half hour then I'll put the trucks on hold for half an hour.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Give us a bit more than half an hour.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Maximum I'll give you is an hour,
0:24:34 > 0:24:36purely because of what happened last time.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40The £17,000 isn't the full amount owed to the owner of the car
0:24:40 > 0:24:42the garage sold, but it is a start.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46By now everyone wants a word with the sheriffs.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48A second man approaches Lawrence.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50Have you got the writ there?
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- I have, of course I have. - Can I see that, please?
0:24:52 > 0:24:56No, because you're not my defendant. You're not Mr Verdi.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59If you can show me some ID showing me you're Mr Verdi,
0:24:59 > 0:25:01because I've got my doubts at the moment,
0:25:01 > 0:25:03because you keep saying you are and then you're not, you show me
0:25:03 > 0:25:07some ID showing me that you're Mr Verdi then I'll show you my writ.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11What does the writ let you do?
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Come here and seize goods to the value of the debt.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Just when it looks like Lawrence is getting nowhere,
0:25:17 > 0:25:19he's approached by the man
0:25:19 > 0:25:22who earlier offered a payment to stop the enforcement.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26He's going to get his aunt to come down and pay on a credit card,
0:25:26 > 0:25:30so, we shall see.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34How far away is your aunt?
0:25:34 > 0:25:37- About a 20-minute drive.- That means nothing to me, I'm afraid.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39The police are coming here to throw you out.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42Oh, by the way, please film me
0:25:42 > 0:25:45and tell me the police are coming here to throw these guys out.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51It seems both the aunt and the police are on their way.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57And it's not long before the first one arrives.
0:25:57 > 0:25:58Hiya, who called us?
0:25:58 > 0:26:00No idea. I'll show you some ID.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06We're enforcement officers here to enforce a High Court writ.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- On this premises here? - Yeah.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Apparently, we seized goods about three months ago
0:26:11 > 0:26:14and they got an emergency stay.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16The judge threw it out when it actually got a hearing,
0:26:16 > 0:26:20he threw it out because there was no grounds for dispute whatsoever.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Now the police have arrived, the elusive garage landlord
0:26:23 > 0:26:26Mr Verdi, suddenly appears out of nowhere.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Hello there, mate, who are you?
0:26:31 > 0:26:34If you just go in, mate, we'll come and have a chat in a second.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- Was that Mr Verdi? - I believe it might be.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43That might have just been our defendant.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45That's the first time he's said who he is.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50So that's the elusive Mr Verdi -
0:26:50 > 0:26:53he was actually the first person Lawrence saw
0:26:53 > 0:26:55when he arrived this morning.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01Mr Verdi wants a private chat with the policemen, upstairs.
0:27:02 > 0:27:0620 minutes later, the police officer reappears.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09He reports back on Mr Verdi's side of the story.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12He's saying that this company's gone into liquidation two days ago.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14No, what they've done is they've written to a liquidator
0:27:14 > 0:27:16and said, "Will you act on our behalf."
0:27:16 > 0:27:17It's not in liquidation.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20If it was in liquidation, actually properly in liquidation,
0:27:20 > 0:27:22then we couldn't take the assets.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26They become in the custody of the liquidator.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28We're going to take the stuff we've got now.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31A lot of the time it's a war of attrition...
0:27:34 > 0:27:36..which we usually win.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Mr Verdi doesn't want to come and talk in front of the camera.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Would you come upstairs with us now,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44I understand you want to give him a receipt or something,
0:27:44 > 0:27:46if you'll come upstairs and speak to him with us.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Rather than throwing the sheriffs out as the garage had hoped,
0:27:51 > 0:27:54the police have backed up everything Lawrence was saying.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56And it's had an effect.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Soon after Lawrence goes upstairs, Mr Verdi's wife appears
0:28:00 > 0:28:03and pays £5,000 by credit card.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06Yeah, I'll do you a receipt in a second.
0:28:06 > 0:28:07I've just got to do the balance.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10And the Verdis also offer to organise repayments
0:28:10 > 0:28:12to cover the outstanding debt.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15Lawrence is satisfied with this arrangement -
0:28:15 > 0:28:17and returns the removed goods.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21Thanks to the sheriffs, the owner of the car the garage sold
0:28:21 > 0:28:25will now get a good chunk of the money he's owed, with more to come.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28They're offering £5,000 a month to clear it off.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32Providing they stick to that, that's quite reasonable
0:28:32 > 0:28:35because as it transpires, there aren't the assets there.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39But since that visit, Verdi Ferrari Aftersales Limited failed to make
0:28:39 > 0:28:42any of the repayments they'd promised.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46Later, we'll see what happens when Lawrence and Kev go back.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Well, we are going to be effecting entry by force using locksmiths.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52And enforcement officer Pete lays down the law
0:28:52 > 0:28:56at a Manchester road services company.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- Phone the police.- I will do.- OK.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04And Lawrence gives the owner of a private jet, the fright of his life.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07I have actually seized one of your aircraft.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17Someone else looking to the sheriffs for help
0:29:17 > 0:29:18is solicitor Sherali Lakhani.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22Today, he's using the internet to talk to one of his clients -
0:29:22 > 0:29:23Myrna Torres.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25Hello, Myrna.
0:29:26 > 0:29:27She should be in the UK,
0:29:27 > 0:29:30but she's currently 7,000 miles away in the Philippines
0:29:30 > 0:29:34and all because a British college took thousands of pounds of her money,
0:29:34 > 0:29:37only to breach the contract they agreed with her.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54Myrna came to the UK four years ago to study
0:29:54 > 0:29:56so she could become a professional health carer.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59Her first two-year course, went well.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03She made friends here who were all warm to her
0:30:03 > 0:30:05and she loved the atmosphere.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07She was very happy here.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09But when she enrolled in a further course
0:30:09 > 0:30:12at William Shakespeare College in south London,
0:30:12 > 0:30:14things didn't go to plan.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17The college was contractually obliged to supply Myrna
0:30:17 > 0:30:21with the form she needed to get a study visa, known as a CAS form.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25Only problem was, William Shakespeare College was no longer
0:30:25 > 0:30:28a government registered sponsor.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32It had been taken over by another school, A&S Training College,
0:30:32 > 0:30:34who were registered.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Surely, they could give her the CAS form she needed?
0:30:37 > 0:30:41The college refused to give her a new letter and she kept going back
0:30:41 > 0:30:43and they kept telling her, we'll do it next week,
0:30:43 > 0:30:47week after or do it tomorrow. They refused to give her the money back
0:30:47 > 0:30:50and they wouldn't do anything about it.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54She was really in tears every day asking, begging them for help
0:30:54 > 0:30:55and they wouldn't help her.
0:30:57 > 0:31:04Myrna had already paid the majority of her first year's fees, £2,450.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06She hoped the qualification would mean
0:31:06 > 0:31:08she could eventually earn the money back.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13But whatever she tried, A&S still wouldn't supply a CAS form.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15And no form meant no visa,
0:31:15 > 0:31:18which meant Myrna was forced to leave the UK.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29She was telling me that her family was probably in debts
0:31:29 > 0:31:33because they had to borrow in order to give her the money
0:31:33 > 0:31:34in order for her to study
0:31:34 > 0:31:37and she felt that she'd let everyone down.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39In fact, she hadn't done anything wrong,
0:31:39 > 0:31:42she had just fell victim to circumstances here.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45Desperate to get Myrna some redress
0:31:45 > 0:31:47for the money she'd spent for nothing,
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Sherali took A&S Training College to court.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52They didn't contest the case,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55and a court awarded a judgment in Myrna's favour.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58Despite this, the college has yet to pay back a penny.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Determined to get Myrna what she's owed,
0:32:04 > 0:32:06enforcement officers Marc and Tony
0:32:06 > 0:32:10arrive at A&S Training College in north London.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14It may be a school day but that's not enough to put off the sheriffs.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18They head straight to reception, High Court writ in hand.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20- Hello.- How you doing?
0:32:20 > 0:32:24It's about a High Court writ that's been issued against you,
0:32:24 > 0:32:27from Miriam Moncala Torres.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29It's against who?
0:32:29 > 0:32:30A&S Training College.
0:32:32 > 0:32:33Right. OK.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36The man gives his head office a call,
0:32:36 > 0:32:39hoping they know more about the case than he does.
0:32:39 > 0:32:40They tell him,
0:32:40 > 0:32:43they think they've got a reason why they don't have to pay.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46They've had a name change.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50A&S Training College is the old trading name of the college.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53We are now Park Royal College.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56All your stuff in the foyer's still got A&S training on it.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Well, that's an old trading name.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01We've now switched to Park Royal College Limited.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04Right, you're going to need to provide us
0:33:04 > 0:33:07with some proof of all this.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10If Park Royal College Limited is a different company,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13they will not be responsible for A&S's debts,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16and Marc and Tony will have to leave empty-handed.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19While Marc calls the office to ask them to make further checks on A&S,
0:33:19 > 0:33:23Tony's put on the phone to the college's head office.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27He tries to convince them, they do owe the money.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29But you are A&S Training College.
0:33:32 > 0:33:33You're Park Royal College.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36But all the stuff in reception is for A&S Training College.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41You need to prove to me that it's changed.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43You need to get a Companies House certificate
0:33:43 > 0:33:45or a liability insurance.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48I'm not being funny but a liability insurance certificate
0:33:48 > 0:33:52should be on the wall, especially with what you do for a living.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56Having called his own office, Marc's got good news.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58It's just a change of name so it doesn't matter.
0:33:58 > 0:33:59It's on the wall, isn't it?
0:33:59 > 0:34:02The Companies House certificate to say it's not a new company,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06it's changed it's name to this company, so they're still liable.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Park Royal College is still the same registered company
0:34:09 > 0:34:11as A&S Training College.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13They may have changed their name,
0:34:13 > 0:34:15but they're still liable for the debts.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17Marc rams home the point.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19It's just a change of name.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21It's just a change on names.
0:34:21 > 0:34:22It's a change of names.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25You need to pay, otherwise we're going to be removing goods.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31Tony gets listing company assets that the sheriffs
0:34:31 > 0:34:34will seize and sell if the college won't pay up -
0:34:34 > 0:34:37something the employees don't like one bit.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40I really don't think that you have to do.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43Well, we do cos unfortunately we have to do that
0:34:43 > 0:34:45whether it's paid or not, we still do it.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47We have to do it if it's paid or not.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51INDISTINCT
0:34:51 > 0:34:55- I'm not pricing it up. - We're listing it.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Marc and Tony have been at the college for 40 minutes
0:35:00 > 0:35:02and they're no nearer to being paid.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05As the college officials are still disputing payment,
0:35:05 > 0:35:09Marc's rapidly losing patience.
0:35:09 > 0:35:14We'll give them 30 minutes or so and then if we don't get anywhere after
0:35:14 > 0:35:19that we'll start geeing them up, to start removing goods.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Moments later, the employee comes back.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25He insists the college knows nothing about the case
0:35:25 > 0:35:29and that they want to get the judgment annulled.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31We have no knowledge of this.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35Genuinely we have no knowledge of this case.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39Obviously we're going to be defending that.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43But Marc knows only too well, at this late stage an appeal
0:35:43 > 0:35:45isn't going to stop them enforcing the writ.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49The thing is at this stage it's a live writ.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52So it would need to be paid today or we will remove goods.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Whether he said he's going to defend it, it's entirely up to him.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59He can do that, but today it will need to be dealt with.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03Faced with having Marc publicly removing office furniture,
0:36:03 > 0:36:07the college finally gives up and agrees to pay.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- Do you guys want to do the... - You can do that.
0:36:09 > 0:36:10As long as you're on the faster system,
0:36:10 > 0:36:13cos we have to sit here until it's gone through.
0:36:13 > 0:36:18It's a bull's-eye for Marc and Tony, whose persistence has paid dividends
0:36:18 > 0:36:21for themselves, and more importantly, for Myrna.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25I would like to share the good news
0:36:25 > 0:36:29that we have recovered your money from the college.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43A&S Training College reiterated to us
0:36:43 > 0:36:47they knew nothing of Myrna's legal claim or the court judgment
0:36:47 > 0:36:49until visited by the sheriffs.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53Had they known about it, they say they would have contested
0:36:53 > 0:36:56the case as they insist there was no breach of contract.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Usually, one visit from the sheriffs,
0:37:05 > 0:37:07is enough to make debtors pay up,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10but sometimes, it takes two before they'll tango.
0:37:10 > 0:37:15Some weeks ago, sheriffs Marc and Tony went to Southend Airport,
0:37:15 > 0:37:19to visit a company that owns and leases corporate jets.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21They were there on behalf of a firm that carried out services
0:37:21 > 0:37:24for them but whose fees were never paid.
0:37:26 > 0:37:31The boss of 24/7 Jet agreed to pay £750 there and then
0:37:31 > 0:37:35and to settle the rest of the debt in five days.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38But unfortunately, this payment never arrived.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41So now, four months on, Lawrence and Kev
0:37:41 > 0:37:44have come to settle the debt once and for all.
0:37:49 > 0:37:54The guy's playing hard to get, so we're playing even harder today.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58We'll be removing any documents and stuff like insurance
0:37:58 > 0:38:02and service records and that which makes the plane scrap value
0:38:02 > 0:38:04if you haven't got them.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07So basically we're looking to potentially ground
0:38:07 > 0:38:10one aircraft today.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12With dawn breaking, they arrive.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Before they head in, they've arranged to meet a locksmith
0:38:15 > 0:38:19because, if needs be, they can legally force entry onto the plane.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Security gate.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- Dive in here.- Stealth approach.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28There's Andy.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Soon after, with the locksmith on board,
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Lawrence and Kev head to security.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Hello, mate, I'm looking for 24/7 Jet.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40We're enforcement officers here to execute a High Court writ.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Lawrence produces the High Court writ
0:38:42 > 0:38:45and airport security waves them through.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47All right. Thanks very much.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49I'm on the runway.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51You're not on the runway you're on the taxi way.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54- So, am I going this way, left?- In here.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Then right, here.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58I'm on the runway.
0:38:58 > 0:39:03Get up there. This is it here, this hangar here.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05There might be somebody in here, the lights are on.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07Yeah, it looks like it.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15No-one's answering the 24/7 Jet door but Lawrence has already located
0:39:15 > 0:39:20their prize asset and isn't in the mood for waiting.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23They head to the plane, locksmith in tow.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25But will they need him?
0:39:25 > 0:39:26Oh, it's open.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29That's a good locksmith.
0:39:31 > 0:39:32It's a bit cramped in here.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Not very big, are they?
0:39:34 > 0:39:36It's tiny, isn't it?
0:39:36 > 0:39:41But Lawrence isn't on board just to check out the executive facilities.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44He's looking to take possession of the plane's logbook.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48Without it, it's illegal for this jet to leave the ground.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51And there it is.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54Lawrence has found exactly what he was looking for.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56All the documentation's in here.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58That's the certificate of registration which
0:39:58 > 0:40:00we have to leave in here.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Got the airworthiness review certificate,
0:40:02 > 0:40:07the nose certificate, air operation certificate,
0:40:07 > 0:40:10that's... It's scrap value without these.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12With these in the sheriffs' hands,
0:40:12 > 0:40:15this plane just had its wings clipped.
0:40:16 > 0:40:17Right, just need some tape.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23It's now the property of the court on paper and can't be moved,
0:40:23 > 0:40:25let alone flown by its owner.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Kev, do you want to have a drive over to security,
0:40:27 > 0:40:30see if you can get the guy on the phone?
0:40:30 > 0:40:31Encourage him to come down here.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Kev sets off to get the boss's number from security.
0:40:38 > 0:40:39It's time to let him know,
0:40:39 > 0:40:43unless he pays the £3,000 today,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47his several 100,000 pound plane could be leaving with the sheriffs.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51Morning, my name's Mr Grix, I'm an enforcement officer.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53I'm at your hangar at the moment, at Southend Airport,
0:40:53 > 0:40:55I have actually seized one of your aircraft.
0:40:56 > 0:41:01I have removed the appropriate documentation from the cockpit
0:41:01 > 0:41:04and placed appropriate notices within the cabin.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07I need someone to come down and sort this out.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11So, if you can come down before we end up removing the plane,
0:41:11 > 0:41:12thank you. Bye-bye.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16The boss of 24/7 Jet calls Lawrence back.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21Unsurprisingly he's got a few questions of his own.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Who let us on the airport?
0:41:23 > 0:41:25We drove through security, sir.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28Nobody can stop us entering the airport.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31We're executing a High Court writ, we have the power to force entry
0:41:31 > 0:41:33onto commercial premises if necessary.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36We've actually seized one of your planes outside.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39We've removed the documentation from it, so it needs somebody
0:41:39 > 0:41:42to come down here and pay it in full then we can release our seizure.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45And bear in mind you've got hundreds of thousands of pounds
0:41:45 > 0:41:48of planes here, to say you can't get £3,000 together
0:41:48 > 0:41:51when you've had months and months of notice is just not acceptable.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55Lawrence's tough stance seems to have had an effect.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57The man agrees to pay by bank transfer.
0:41:57 > 0:42:02But given his track record, Lawrence wants payment there and then.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05I'm not going to be able to check the bank account at this time
0:42:05 > 0:42:07in the morning, because there's nobody in the office
0:42:07 > 0:42:08to check it for me.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10Are you very far away, sir?
0:42:10 > 0:42:12If you were here, we've got a debit card machine
0:42:12 > 0:42:14and you can pay by debit card with chip and pin.
0:42:14 > 0:42:15OK then, sir.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19I believe he's now going to come down with a debit card.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21Where did he say he was?
0:42:21 > 0:42:24I asked him if he was very far away and he said, "Yes", but then...
0:42:24 > 0:42:25- He's changed his mind now. - Yeah.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27Soon after, the boss arrives.
0:42:27 > 0:42:32He's not happy about his plane and even less pleased about our camera.
0:42:33 > 0:42:34You can't film me.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40With our camera out of the way,
0:42:40 > 0:42:44the boss offers half the amount the sheriffs are looking for.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46But Lawrence won't give the plane back
0:42:46 > 0:42:48unless he gets all the money owed.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51Faced with losing a jet worth hundreds of thousands of pounds
0:42:51 > 0:42:54for a £3,000 debt, the boss relents,
0:42:54 > 0:42:58and agrees to pay on a debit card, in full.
0:43:01 > 0:43:06He did try and offer a part payment of £1,700,
0:43:06 > 0:43:11but not when you've got £100,000 worth of plane seized.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13He realised the game was up.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17And we were advised it was due to fly to Marrakech tomorrow,
0:43:17 > 0:43:19so he would have had some disappointed customers
0:43:19 > 0:43:22if they weren't able to take off.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26It might have been a bad morning for 24/7 Jet,
0:43:26 > 0:43:29but it's been a very good one for the people owed the money.
0:43:29 > 0:43:34It's payment in full - thanks, in no small part, to the sheriffs.
0:43:43 > 0:43:47Today, enforcement officer Pete Spencer is in Manchester
0:43:47 > 0:43:51on the trail of over £8,000 owed to a woman dismissed
0:43:51 > 0:43:55by a local company - Southern UK Road Services.
0:43:55 > 0:43:59Lesley Stonier took the company to an employment tribunal.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02But despite agreeing to an out of court settlement,
0:44:02 > 0:44:04Southern UK still hasn't paid her.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06So Lesley's got a writ
0:44:06 > 0:44:09and has now turned to the sheriffs to enforce it.
0:44:10 > 0:44:14Pete previously visited the company and gave them five days to pay up,
0:44:14 > 0:44:18or he'd remove and sell a number of their vehicles.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21But they've still not paid, so today, he's going back
0:44:21 > 0:44:24and if there's no money, he'll be taking their trucks with him.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34So we're re-attending today with a view to removing the vehicles
0:44:34 > 0:44:37that we levied previously.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39Pete arrives at the yard.
0:44:39 > 0:44:41Like all High Court enforcement officers,
0:44:41 > 0:44:45he can force entry to commercial premises if he needs to.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49But today, someone's clearly not been doing their job properly.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52Excellent, I managed to walk straight through the open gates.
0:44:52 > 0:44:53What we'll do,
0:44:53 > 0:44:56we'll start levying some of the vehicles that weren't here before.
0:45:00 > 0:45:01He's just started listing
0:45:01 > 0:45:05when Pete's spotted by the company boss, John Wrigley.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12Sorry, I'm on the premises. We'll speak here.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15How did you get on the premises?
0:45:15 > 0:45:18Just walked in, the gate was open.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21What have you seized because these do not belong to the company.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24Because you've not come back to us after our last visit.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26At the moment, we're looking at seizing these items.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29I've seized these items and we're looking at removing them today.
0:45:29 > 0:45:31We need full payment or we'll remove goods.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34The position is we probably won't be able to pay you
0:45:34 > 0:45:35until this time next week
0:45:35 > 0:45:37then we will be in a position to make a payment.
0:45:37 > 0:45:42I'll just carry on what I'm doing, then I'll come in and see you.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45While the director goes off to sort out his next move,
0:45:45 > 0:45:48Pete carries on deciding which of the company's assets
0:45:48 > 0:45:50he'll give the green light to seize.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54He'll do his upmost to make sure Lesley will get what she's owed.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58Pete's just tucking in to his third truck,
0:45:58 > 0:46:02when the director's back and this time, he wants Pete gone.
0:46:02 > 0:46:05Well, listen, I'm a director of the company, I'm now asking you
0:46:05 > 0:46:06to leave the premises.
0:46:06 > 0:46:07Phone the police.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09- I will do.- OK.
0:46:09 > 0:46:11If you want to explain to them
0:46:11 > 0:46:13when you do phone them that we've seized goods
0:46:13 > 0:46:17and I've got a writ to attend here and that's why I'm on the premises.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20Luckily for Pete, the law's very much on his side -
0:46:20 > 0:46:23the High Court writ means he's allowed on site
0:46:23 > 0:46:25and the police cannot remove him.
0:46:25 > 0:46:27Right, you won't give me 24 hours to sort this?
0:46:27 > 0:46:30I can't do that, no, you've had plenty of time since our last visit.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33We don't have the money right here, right now.
0:46:33 > 0:46:34Card, bank transfer?
0:46:34 > 0:46:39No, we can probably pay something tomorrow.
0:46:39 > 0:46:43It's going to have to be today or we will be removing goods.
0:46:43 > 0:46:45You'll have extra charges on top for removal.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48You've been given the opportunity to prove that.
0:46:48 > 0:46:50Right, I'll go and take legal advice.
0:46:54 > 0:46:58Before Pete can add to his list, the director returns.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01He insists he can't pay the amount Pete's after,
0:47:01 > 0:47:04but neither does he want his vehicles removed.
0:47:04 > 0:47:06Luckily, there is a third way.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09From my point of view, what I'm trying to do is get a solution here.
0:47:09 > 0:47:13Solution would be potentially part payment today
0:47:13 > 0:47:16and then go into the monthly offer but that would have to go through
0:47:16 > 0:47:19the office obviously and the claimant if they'd accept that.
0:47:19 > 0:47:21What part payment?
0:47:21 > 0:47:22That's up to you.
0:47:23 > 0:47:25A part payment of £2,000?
0:47:25 > 0:47:28If that's what you're saying I'll have to run that
0:47:28 > 0:47:29by the office and see what they say.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31Can you try that, please?
0:47:33 > 0:47:36At last, there's some sign of movement.
0:47:36 > 0:47:41But the amount offered is still a long way short of the £8,500 owing.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44Pete checks back in with the office.
0:47:44 > 0:47:48Will £2,000 be enough for the director to get Pete off his back?
0:47:49 > 0:47:54OK then, speak to you soon, thanks. All right. Cheers, mate.
0:47:54 > 0:47:56No, they want to remove.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02That's not to say you can't up the offer
0:48:02 > 0:48:05and I can put a larger offer in to them,
0:48:05 > 0:48:08but he's looking at half the amount minimum today or we're removing.
0:48:12 > 0:48:16I certainly can't go to £4,000. I certainly can't go to £4,000.
0:48:16 > 0:48:18Let me come back to you.
0:48:18 > 0:48:19No problem, thanks.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24The director heads back inside to reconsider his offer.
0:48:26 > 0:48:30Having made more calls, he's back with an improved one...
0:48:30 > 0:48:33Can you just try 3k it's really squeezing it.
0:48:36 > 0:48:41But the office is digging its heels in. £3,000 won't wash.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45He says we're not here to discuss it, we're here to remove items today
0:48:45 > 0:48:49because you got the opportunity last time to prove.
0:48:49 > 0:48:54So we're not here really to even enter into a discussion on how much.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57You said 50% earlier.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59I've said we can negotiate
0:48:59 > 0:49:03but the least we'll take is 50% of the outstanding value.
0:49:04 > 0:49:08Once again, it's the long walk back to the office for the director.
0:49:10 > 0:49:15Shortly after, he returns again with news from his legal team.
0:49:15 > 0:49:16I've spoken very briefly
0:49:16 > 0:49:19because the guy I need to speak to is in hospital.
0:49:19 > 0:49:23He said he applied for a suspension of the warrant on Monday.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25That wouldn't stop our enforcement today.
0:49:25 > 0:49:28I'm just saying what he said.
0:49:28 > 0:49:31I believe he hasn't got that piece of paper in his hand yet.
0:49:31 > 0:49:35Until he's got it, I guess it's not going to do anything.
0:49:35 > 0:49:37No. And that takes time as well.
0:49:37 > 0:49:42I've just spoke to our office, quite happily take the 50% today
0:49:42 > 0:49:46and then give you the opportunity to sort the offer out
0:49:46 > 0:49:48to pay the rest off.
0:49:48 > 0:49:52What I'll do because I've got to shoot off soon,
0:49:52 > 0:49:55I'll squeeze 4.2. out.
0:49:55 > 0:50:00- Is that on card or...? - It'll be a bank transfer.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02Do you want me to come in and sort it out with you?
0:50:02 > 0:50:05I've got all the bank details - where you need to pay it to.
0:50:05 > 0:50:09The director goes off to transfer the £4,200.
0:50:11 > 0:50:12It's gone well for Pete.
0:50:12 > 0:50:17His tough negotiating has got Lesley Stonier the 50% minimum payment
0:50:17 > 0:50:22she and the office were after, with a payment plan to come for the rest.
0:50:22 > 0:50:25And he has only got five days now to sort out the rest.
0:50:26 > 0:50:31But despite Mr Wrigley's promises, no further payment was received.
0:50:31 > 0:50:35Which means Pete, has to pay the company another visit.
0:50:35 > 0:50:39Still to come, we'll see what happens when Pete returns.
0:50:39 > 0:50:41- Not on camera, again. - That's your choice.
0:50:41 > 0:50:44But I'm coming in today whether you let me in or not.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54Once again on their way to Verdi Ferrari in west London
0:50:54 > 0:50:57are enforcement officers Lawrence and Kev.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00The garage sold a car on behalf of a customer,
0:51:00 > 0:51:03but never paid them any of the money from the sale.
0:51:05 > 0:51:10Last time the sheriffs visited, Mr Verdi wouldn't identify himself
0:51:10 > 0:51:13until the intervention of the police.
0:51:13 > 0:51:19The sheriffs then managed to collect £5,000 of the £32,000 debt owed.
0:51:19 > 0:51:22But despite promises to pay off the rest in instalments,
0:51:22 > 0:51:25no such payments have been made.
0:51:26 > 0:51:31So today, the sheriffs are planning on taking it to the next level.
0:51:31 > 0:51:33We're not looking for money today.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36Unless they happen to pay in full,
0:51:36 > 0:51:40we're actually going to be removing goods.
0:51:40 > 0:51:43They've arrived at the garage - but there's a problem.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48The shutters are down and there doesn't seem to be anybody home.
0:51:51 > 0:51:53They've disappeared.
0:51:53 > 0:51:55I'll just give the shutters a try.
0:51:58 > 0:52:00With the shutters locked tight,
0:52:00 > 0:52:03Lawrence decides to phone the number above the front door.
0:52:03 > 0:52:04Hello, is that Verdi?
0:52:05 > 0:52:09It's the enforcement officers, we're outside knocking on your door.
0:52:09 > 0:52:12If you're not going to let us in, I'll be calling some locksmiths.
0:52:12 > 0:52:13You call the police then.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17If you give them CAD number 4895 of the 5th December
0:52:17 > 0:52:19they'll know all about it.
0:52:19 > 0:52:20OK then, bye.
0:52:23 > 0:52:24There's little option
0:52:24 > 0:52:28but to wait for the locksmith in the warmth of the van.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30Lawrence wants the police to be present
0:52:30 > 0:52:34when the locksmith arrives to reduce the chance of trouble.
0:52:34 > 0:52:37I think it just might be advisable if some of your officers come down -
0:52:37 > 0:52:40we are going to be effecting an entry by force using locksmiths.
0:52:42 > 0:52:43Lovely, thanks very much.
0:52:43 > 0:52:47But before the police or the locksmith arrive, Mr Verdi,
0:52:47 > 0:52:49the landlord of the building, turns up.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52- Who are you? - I'm the landlord.
0:52:52 > 0:52:54Mr Verdi? Yeah.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57What have you come here to do, sir?
0:52:57 > 0:53:00Have you come to let us in, save the locksmiths drilling the locks out?
0:53:00 > 0:53:02We've called the police, they're on their way, sir.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04Police are here.
0:53:04 > 0:53:06The police coming and the impending arrival of the locksmith
0:53:06 > 0:53:08appear to have done the trick.
0:53:08 > 0:53:12Mr Verdi invites Lawrence and Kev upstairs to talk.
0:53:16 > 0:53:20At this point the camera operator is asked to leave the building.
0:53:21 > 0:53:24Mr Verdi tells Lawrence that a new company
0:53:24 > 0:53:28is now his tenant in the garage and it owns all the assets.
0:53:28 > 0:53:31But when Lawrence checks the name of this new business
0:53:31 > 0:53:33with Companies House, it doesn't exist.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36And Lawrence finds cash receipts in the office
0:53:36 > 0:53:39in the name of Verdi Ferrari.
0:53:39 > 0:53:41His patience has run out.
0:53:41 > 0:53:44You've put down a name on a lease that doesn't exist.
0:53:44 > 0:53:46Come on, let's get this stuff out of here. We're taking it.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49Do you want to back these up before I unplug them all?
0:53:49 > 0:53:50Just unplug it, Kev.
0:53:50 > 0:53:53He's been given the chance to back it up and he's not backed it up.
0:53:53 > 0:53:57You can't stop us, sir. We seized these goods months ago.
0:53:57 > 0:53:59Don't...get in my way,
0:53:59 > 0:54:02don't obstruct me or you're liable for arrest.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04Move out the way.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07Having had more than enough of Mr Verdi,
0:54:07 > 0:54:09Lawrence and Kev get on with their removal.
0:54:09 > 0:54:11But the most valuable piece of equipment,
0:54:11 > 0:54:16the £20,000 engine diagnostic kit, is nowhere to be found.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19Disappeared - the diagnostic kit.
0:54:19 > 0:54:20Without a trace.
0:54:20 > 0:54:22I believe he was here this morning
0:54:22 > 0:54:24cos the power lead's still plugged in.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27So I think potentially it's in the boot of a car somewhere.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30The garage owner has five days to pay up what he owes
0:54:30 > 0:54:34or establish the removed property doesn't belong to him.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37Lawrence and Kev head off.
0:54:39 > 0:54:43Since filming at Verdi Ferrari, the company's gone into liquidation.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46The items seized by the sheriffs were sold at auction
0:54:46 > 0:54:50and went to pay off part of the debt owed to the former customer.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02In the North of England, Pete's back on the road,
0:55:02 > 0:55:05making a journey he never thought he'd have to take again.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07He's on his way, for the third time,
0:55:07 > 0:55:11to Southern UK Road Services in Manchester.
0:55:11 > 0:55:14It's some months since he last visited them,
0:55:14 > 0:55:18but despite their promise to pay off the debt they owe Lesley Stonier,
0:55:18 > 0:55:21the payments they agreed to make have stopped.
0:55:21 > 0:55:25She was dismissed by the company and the case was settled out of court.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29Pete's plan is to get the remainder of the debt they owe her
0:55:29 > 0:55:33paid in full today, or he'll be removing the company's assets.
0:55:34 > 0:55:39He won't be given a final option to catch up with his payment plan.
0:55:39 > 0:55:42He's failed that and that's been his last option now.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48Arriving, they give the office a knock.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52If they're un-co-operative, this time Pete's taking no prisoners.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54They need to be letting us inside
0:55:54 > 0:55:57otherwise we'll be getting a locksmith.
0:55:57 > 0:56:02But moments later, the door does open, to reveal a familiar face.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04Not on camera again.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07That's your choice. I'm coming in anyway today.
0:56:07 > 0:56:08Not on camera.
0:56:12 > 0:56:14We're told to wait outside
0:56:14 > 0:56:16while Pete gets on with the familiar task
0:56:16 > 0:56:18of putting the squeeze on Mr Wrigley.
0:56:20 > 0:56:22Obviously, you've failed your monthly agreement, haven't you,
0:56:22 > 0:56:24by the sound of it?
0:56:24 > 0:56:27Inside the yard, Mr Wrigley is adamant he can't pay any money
0:56:27 > 0:56:30and says Pete will just have to wait.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33He also says the majority of the equipment is leased
0:56:33 > 0:56:37through a third party and so can't be removed.
0:56:37 > 0:56:39This isn't good enough for Pete.
0:56:39 > 0:56:43He tells the director, "Pay up or the goods are going."
0:56:45 > 0:56:47It's going to be probably
0:56:47 > 0:56:52three, four, five, six, seven, eight traffic light generators
0:56:52 > 0:56:54and probably some road cones.
0:56:55 > 0:56:56The one in there's going.
0:56:56 > 0:56:59The one that they're putting in there's on charge -
0:56:59 > 0:57:01he says it's going out, so it's not going out anywhere now.
0:57:01 > 0:57:05Resigned to the inevitable, Mr Wrigley heads off,
0:57:05 > 0:57:06leaving Pete to it.
0:57:07 > 0:57:10Satisfied there are more than enough assets inside,
0:57:10 > 0:57:13it's time to call the tow truck.
0:57:13 > 0:57:17Director's disappeared. Said just take what we need to take.
0:57:17 > 0:57:19He's planning on paying in full tomorrow,
0:57:19 > 0:57:21he's got the five days anyway.
0:57:21 > 0:57:25So what we've done is we've seized a fork-lift truck,
0:57:25 > 0:57:28some battery-operated traffic lights,
0:57:28 > 0:57:33a trailer and a couple of LED screens.
0:57:33 > 0:57:35If necessary, these can now be sold to clear what's left
0:57:35 > 0:57:39of Southern UK Road Services' debt to Leslie Stonier.
0:57:41 > 0:57:44Hopefully he's going to pay in full and that will be all sorted.
0:57:46 > 0:57:49For Pete, with a truck full of assets
0:57:49 > 0:57:51it's a case of third time lucky.
0:57:51 > 0:57:54He did say he'd be paying full tomorrow.
0:57:54 > 0:57:56And he would be getting the goods back tomorrow
0:57:56 > 0:57:58once he's paid in full,
0:57:58 > 0:58:02so we'll just have to wait and see if he does or the items in five days
0:58:02 > 0:58:05will go into the auction to recover the outstanding amount.
0:58:05 > 0:58:06That's a job well done today.
0:58:07 > 0:58:10Southern UK Road Services reiterated to us
0:58:10 > 0:58:12that the case was settled out of court
0:58:12 > 0:58:16and said they were a caring and nurturing business.
0:58:16 > 0:58:19But despite saying they would pay off their debt the next day
0:58:19 > 0:58:22to get back their removed assets, they didn't.
0:58:22 > 0:58:25The goods were therefore sold by an auction house online
0:58:25 > 0:58:29and the funds raised paid off the debt to Lesley Stonier, in full.
0:58:53 > 0:58:56Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd