0:00:02 > 0:00:05- 'Meet the sheriffs.'- Let's go.- We're High Court enforcement officers.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07We're here today to execute a High Court writ.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11'They're the men whose job it is to get you your money back...'
0:00:11 > 0:00:12It's an arrestable offence to stop me.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15'..if you've been ripped off and don't know where turn.'
0:00:15 > 0:00:21- I'm not waiting.- I'm ordered to seize goods to clear this debt, which would mean clearing this place out.
0:00:21 > 0:00:26- 'If you've been to court but still not been paid what you're owed...' - Why don't you tell me who you are?
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- This is an absolute crock. You need to pay this.- '..the High Court enforcement officers
0:00:30 > 0:00:34'are charged by law to recover what a court says is rightfully yours.'
0:00:34 > 0:00:39- I've seized your car, sir.- You either let us through the door or we'll go through the window.- Whoa, whoa!
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- 'It's time to call the sheriffs.' - I've collected 42 grand.
0:00:46 > 0:00:51'Coming up, Fred and Adrian paid £20,000
0:00:51 > 0:00:54'for a building project that barely got off the ground.'
0:00:54 > 0:01:00I said, "Well, I just feel like I've been hoodwinked. Completely and utter hoodwinked."
0:01:01 > 0:01:03'The sheriffs pay a visit to the builder.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07'Can they get Fred and Adrian what they're owed?'
0:01:07 > 0:01:10If you'd proved you own that personally, we'd have gone ten minutes ago
0:01:10 > 0:01:13and there'd have been no cause for you to call the police.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17'Beth and Janet spent their life savings on a horsebox
0:01:17 > 0:01:19'that was unfit for the road.'
0:01:19 > 0:01:24He just turned round to us and says, "Don't drive it, it's a fire risk."
0:01:24 > 0:01:28'The sheriffs champ at the bit to get her money back.'
0:01:28 > 0:01:32I'm here to collect an amount of £5,298.41.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35It needs to be paid cash, debit or credit card.
0:01:35 > 0:01:41'And sheriff Pete makes his third visit to a road services company.'
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- Not on camera again.- That's your choice, but I'm coming in anyway.
0:01:47 > 0:01:53'The sheriffs will take on the recovery of any debt against any business.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58'But in a country where every Englishman, not to mention Welshman's, home is his castle,
0:01:58 > 0:02:03'it's not a surprise that one industry they visit more than most is builders.
0:02:05 > 0:02:11'This morning, it's been a early start to beat the rush hour for sheriffs Kev and Lawrence.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13'They're heading to East Anglia
0:02:13 > 0:02:16'en route to their first job of the day,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20'a visit to a construction company to collect a substantial sum of money.'
0:02:20 > 0:02:26We're on our way to Stowmarket in Suffolk now, to a company called Temple Anglia Limited.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29We've got a High Court writ. Half past eight-ish now.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33We're not very far away.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36'The people they're on their way to help
0:02:36 > 0:02:39'are Fred Rich and Adrian Butcher.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47'They bought a house in East Sussex
0:02:47 > 0:02:51'which they wanted to double as a workspace for their enamel designing business.'
0:02:51 > 0:02:55The house had potential for a reasonable-size extension,
0:02:55 > 0:03:00and rather than trying to adapt something that was already there,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04we liked the idea of actually starting relatively from scratch
0:03:04 > 0:03:09to design the working accommodation the way we wanted it.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11And this property really fitted the bill.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16'Working with an architect, they designed the house the way they wanted it
0:03:16 > 0:03:18'and got planning permission for their project.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22'All they needed now to turn their dream into reality was a builder,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25'which is where Andrew Parkinson came in.'
0:03:25 > 0:03:31A good friend of ours who we've known through work for many, many years
0:03:31 > 0:03:36recommended Andrew Parkinson as a possible builder.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41We did everything that you should do,
0:03:41 > 0:03:43we went on recommendation,
0:03:43 > 0:03:48we inspected the work from a previous client of his
0:03:48 > 0:03:50and we got a detailed contract.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53'Mr Parkinson inspected the house and the designs
0:03:53 > 0:03:58'and they agreed a price of £96,215,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01'just within Fred and Adrian's budget.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03'A contract was drawn up, signed
0:04:03 > 0:04:07'and Fred and Adrian paid the first £20,000 stage payment.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12'But no sooner had work started than problems began to emerge.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17'When Fred and Adrian saw the tiles in their contract, they thought they'd breach planning permission.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20'Soon after, the builder wanted more money
0:04:20 > 0:04:22'to deal with asbestos in the garage ceiling,
0:04:22 > 0:04:27'which Fred and Adrian said they warned him of before the contract had been signed.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32'Raising their concerns, they didn't find Mr Parkinson's responses reassuring.'
0:04:32 > 0:04:35There was a string of little things all the time,
0:04:35 > 0:04:40and then every time... We were expressing our concerns to him quite a lot.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45It wasn't being poo-poohed, but there was no, kind of, pacifying us or helping us along,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48saying, "No, don't worry, don't worry, it'll be fine," none of that at all.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51'Without any reassurance from Mr Parkinson
0:04:51 > 0:04:55'and with costs rising, other problems were emerging.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00'Fred and Adrian invited their architect back to look at the work being done.'
0:05:00 > 0:05:02The architect went outside to see the brick work
0:05:02 > 0:05:05and basically condemned it there and then,
0:05:05 > 0:05:07so that really threw a spanner in the works,
0:05:07 > 0:05:11because by then we were starting to get more and more worried and that really did not help.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14He said that the walls would attract damp and all the rest of it.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17We started to realise that there were certain things,
0:05:17 > 0:05:21again, the costs were starting to escalate, the kitchen was going to cost more,
0:05:21 > 0:05:23the roof was going to end up costing us more.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28'But before they'd resolved these problems, Andrew Parkinson hit them with a bombshell.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31'He said that VAT,
0:05:31 > 0:05:35'which Fred and Adrian believed was included in the original contract price,
0:05:35 > 0:05:42'would be a 20% addition to the £96,215 already agreed.'
0:05:42 > 0:05:44It was during one of his rare site visits.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48He came out with the point
0:05:48 > 0:05:52that VAT was not included within our contract,
0:05:52 > 0:05:56and that just completely floored us.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59All the listings of all the works that were being carried out
0:05:59 > 0:06:02listed the contract price at £96,250.
0:06:02 > 0:06:08We had already paid the deposit totalling £20,000.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10It wasn't £20,000 plus VAT.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13We handed him the two cheques that came to £20,000
0:06:13 > 0:06:17and he gladly accepted them and work commenced.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22So when we asked him, where was the mechanism that collected this £19,000...
0:06:22 > 0:06:27- Where was the VAT?- Where's the mechanism to collect that?
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- And, of course, he couldn't answer. - I said to him,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33"I just feel I've been hoodwinked, completely and utterly hoodwinked."
0:06:33 > 0:06:37I think at that point, with all the smaller problems that we'd had,
0:06:37 > 0:06:41we felt that we were just being taken for a ride, really.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44'Mr Parkinson strenuously denies this
0:06:44 > 0:06:47'and says the VAT issue was not decided by the court.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51'It was, however, the last straw for Fred and Adrian.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54'Unhappy at the standard of work and the rising costs,
0:06:54 > 0:06:57'Fred and Adrian made their feelings clear.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01'Andrew Parkinson then refused to work under the terms of the contract,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04'so the project ground to a halt.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08'With the job unfinished, they'd paid out £20,000,
0:07:08 > 0:07:10'but wanted the money back.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14'They tried to negotiate a solution with Andrew Parkinson,
0:07:14 > 0:07:17'but a satisfactory settlement proved elusive.'
0:07:17 > 0:07:22We sort of kept giving him the opportunity to give us
0:07:22 > 0:07:25the information that we needed to move forward,
0:07:25 > 0:07:29he was clearly not having any of that, so in the June we said,
0:07:29 > 0:07:35"Unless we hear from you by the end of the month, we'll be taking the matter to court."
0:07:35 > 0:07:39'After months of legal proceedings, Fred and Adrian agreed
0:07:39 > 0:07:44'a £12,000 out-of-court settlement with Andrew Parkinson.'
0:07:44 > 0:07:47He agreed to pay us money back and we thought,
0:07:47 > 0:07:51"Fine, that draws a line and we can move on."
0:07:51 > 0:07:54Of course, we never received any money.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57The money was due to be paid over a period.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59We never received a penny.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03'With no payment forthcoming, Fred and Adrian went back to court
0:08:03 > 0:08:08'and got a judgment ordering Andrew Parkinson to pay them £12,000.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11'Despite this, they've still not received anything from him.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15'Their only hope now of seeing any of their money
0:08:15 > 0:08:18'rests with Lawrence and Kev.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22'Arriving at the address named on the writ,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25'they're eager to get this enforcement started.'
0:08:25 > 0:08:28DOORBELL RINGS / DOG BARKS
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- It's stopped barking now.- Mm.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37Which normally means somebody's told it to stop barking. Dogs don't stop barking on their own.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39There's somebody in.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43'Apart from a dog, there doesn't appear to be anyone in,
0:08:43 > 0:08:47'so Lawrence decides it's time for a spot of exploring.'
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Let's see what we can see.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57The office is in the back garden.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01Have you had a look round the front? There's a kitchen. Have a look through the kitchen window.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04The dog's in there. It's in the kitchen.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Right, have a look at the dog when I press the bell.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Go back and look at the dog
0:09:10 > 0:09:14as I press the bell and see if it does anything.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19'Lawrence has a hunch the dog may give away its owner's whereabouts.'
0:09:19 > 0:09:21DOORBELL RINGS
0:09:21 > 0:09:23Inspired, Sherlock.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26It's locked in the kitchen.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29HE KNOCKS ON DOOR
0:09:30 > 0:09:34'But whatever the dog's doing, there's no sign of anyone being in.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37'The sheriffs' options are limited.'
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Let's retreat to the discretion of the van, then.
0:09:41 > 0:09:48'There's nothing else to do but sit tight and wait to see if someone comes home.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52'Later, we'll see what happens when the builder does return
0:09:52 > 0:09:56'and he's less than pleased to meet the sheriffs.'
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Give me some confirmation of who you are. I want some documentation.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02What I suggest you do, sir, is just deal with it.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09'Fred and Adrian's is just one of over 70,000 High Court writs
0:10:09 > 0:10:13'executed by sheriffs in England and Wales every year.'
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Today it will need to be dealt with.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20'Anyone that manages to obtain a county court judgment of over £600
0:10:20 > 0:10:25- 'can upgrade it to the High Court to get a writ.'- Good morning, sir.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28'Once a writ is awarded, almost nothing can stop it.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31'Even if a debtor appeals a writ,
0:10:31 > 0:10:33'it won't stop the sheriffs collecting.'
0:10:33 > 0:10:36This place, trust me, could be emptied in about an hour.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39'Only a full court annulment can do that.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43'These days, a High Court writ costs £60.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46'If the sheriffs are successful, there's nothing more for the client to pay.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51'If they're unsuccessful, the only cost is a £60 admin fee.'
0:10:51 > 0:10:53Thank you.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05'On the road and heading for Derbyshire
0:11:05 > 0:11:08'are sheriffs Darryl Oreton and Mark Povey.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12'They're paying a surprise visit to Danny Jackson,
0:11:12 > 0:11:16'the boss of a company called Bonfield Horseboxes,
0:11:16 > 0:11:20'looking to collect just over £5,000.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23'But as it's the boss's home address they're going to,
0:11:23 > 0:11:25'Darryl's aware this visit could prove tricky.'
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Although it's a business name,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30we're actually going to a residential property
0:11:30 > 0:11:32and obviously, because it's residential,
0:11:32 > 0:11:37most of the assets there are going to belong to him personally or him and his wife.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41Not the company assets. But we'll see when we get there.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44They may have something out the back, they may have a workshop
0:11:44 > 0:11:47or some horseboxes on site, that's what we're hoping for.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50But we won't know, obviously, until we get there.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57'The sheriffs are attending on behalf of three very unhappy customers of Bonfield's,
0:11:57 > 0:12:02'Janet and Beth Mercer from Durham and daughter Alice.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05'11-year-old Alice is a hugely promising horse rider
0:12:05 > 0:12:11'with realistic dreams of making it to the top of the dressage world.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14'This requires considerable dedication from both Alice
0:12:14 > 0:12:17'and her mother, GP nurse Beth.'
0:12:17 > 0:12:21Riding's going to be her profession. I'm convinced it's going to be her profession.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23We've been told Alice has something special
0:12:23 > 0:12:28and we will do everything we can to give her that start in life.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31I work six days a week and on the seventh day, she competes.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36'Their problems began when Beth decided to purchase a horsebox wagon
0:12:36 > 0:12:40'that could transport and sleep her, Alice and beloved pony Quiz
0:12:40 > 0:12:44'as they travelled to riding competitions across the country.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48'But instead of making the pursuit of their dream easier,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51'it's left them out of pocket,
0:12:51 > 0:12:55'forced to go to court and desperately in need of the sheriffs' help.'
0:12:59 > 0:13:02You're just being nosy now, aren't you?
0:13:02 > 0:13:08'Beth's search for a wagon brought her to Danny Jackson's Bonfield Horseboxes in Derby.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12'Before visiting, she made sure to check their reputation first.'
0:13:12 > 0:13:17I got in touch with Trading Standards, they had no issues with them,
0:13:17 > 0:13:20so we thought that we were safe to go with this company.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23'At Bonfield's lock-up,
0:13:23 > 0:13:27'Beth found a horsebox which was exactly what she was looking for.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31'She agreed to pay £4,500 for it
0:13:31 > 0:13:36'on the condition some minor repairs were carried out as part of the deal.'
0:13:36 > 0:13:38It was a used wagon, it wasn't going to be perfect.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42There was about eight things that needed doing and it was the electrics checked, a bit of welding.
0:13:42 > 0:13:48He actually stated in an email that they would do all this before they delivered the wagon to us.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Go on, then, missus.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54'But when the vehicle arrived, it was clear all was far from well.'
0:13:54 > 0:13:59They arrived, parked it, got out, here's the papers, and went.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Never had a chance to look at it or anything like that.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07A matter of five minutes he was there and went.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12I came in from work, looked at it and I went, "He's got to be joking."
0:14:13 > 0:14:18'None of the minor repairs that were supposed to have been carried out as part of the sale
0:14:18 > 0:14:23'had been done, even though Bonfield's had promised they would be in writing.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27'Annoyed, Beth tried to call them to complain
0:14:27 > 0:14:32'but no-one would pick up the phone to explain why the faults hadn't been fixed.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34'Urgently needing the vehicle to move Quiz,
0:14:34 > 0:14:37'she was forced to drive it anyway.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41'Then, on one of Beth's first drives with it, disaster struck,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45'as another far more serious fault became apparent.'
0:14:45 > 0:14:50As I was coming down the hill, the lights just went and I thought, "What the heck?"
0:14:50 > 0:14:52I slammed the brakes on and the lights came back on.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54I thought it was a loose connection.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56But we steadily lost lights.
0:14:56 > 0:15:01I mean, the last half mile, I drove home with absolutely no lights, pitch black.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04I've never had a journey like it.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07I don't know how we didn't end up down the ditch, but we got it back.
0:15:07 > 0:15:14The mechanic came out, looked at it and said, "Give us the keys, don't start it, don't touch it."
0:15:14 > 0:15:18'The mechanic proceeded to examine the horsebox
0:15:18 > 0:15:21'and gave Beth and Janet some devastating news.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26'In its present state, it was fit only for the glue factory.'
0:15:26 > 0:15:30And he just said, "It's just beyond repair, really."
0:15:30 > 0:15:36Wires had been pieced together. Instead of rewired, wires had been pieced together
0:15:36 > 0:15:39and one of the joined pieces was touching.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41He just turned round to us and says,
0:15:41 > 0:15:44"Don't drive it, it's a fire risk."
0:15:44 > 0:15:48He said, "You could just get down the road and everything will go up in flames."
0:15:48 > 0:15:50I was really quite angry
0:15:50 > 0:15:53that he could let me drive a vehicle with my daughter in,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56with my mother in and also with a pony.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00I mean, the pony's as much a part of the family, as well, you know.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03'With the horsebox effectively written off,
0:16:03 > 0:16:10'Beth and Janet wrote to Mr Jackson demanding he take back the vehicle and give them a full refund.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13'He replied once, asking what vehicle they were referring to,
0:16:13 > 0:16:17'then failed to respond to any further calls or emails.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21'With Danny Jackson continuing to ignore their letters,
0:16:21 > 0:16:25'Beth and Janet's only option was to take Bonfield's to court.'
0:16:25 > 0:16:28I felt so angry. It makes you even more determined
0:16:28 > 0:16:31to take it to the end and get back what you're owed.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33'When the case went to court,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36'Mr Jackson admitted there were faults with the wagon
0:16:36 > 0:16:39'and agreed to pick up, repair and sell the vehicle
0:16:39 > 0:16:42'to pay Beth's money back.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44'If he hadn't sold it within 90 days,
0:16:44 > 0:16:49'he promised to start paying off the debt at £600 a month instead.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52'But then, as months passed, nothing happened.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57'No money was paid and he failed to pick up the horsebox.'
0:16:57 > 0:17:02I don't know how he goes to bed and sleeps at night. I don't know how he can do it. I couldn't.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07'Beth and Janet's last hope of getting their money back
0:17:07 > 0:17:10'now rests on sheriffs Darryl and Mark's shoulders.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16'When they arrive at Danny Jackson's home, the driveway's full of vehicles,
0:17:16 > 0:17:20'including what they hoped for, a horsebox.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27'If it's owned by Bonfield's, they can seize it if no payment's forthcoming.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30'So they make sure it's blocked in by their van.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34'No-one's answering the door,
0:17:34 > 0:17:38'but Darryl manages to raise business owner Danny Jackson through an open window.'
0:17:38 > 0:17:40I'm an enforcement officer.
0:17:40 > 0:17:46I've got a High Court writ to execute against Bonfield Horseboxes on behalf of Beth Mercer.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53I'm here to collect an amount of £5298.41
0:17:53 > 0:17:56or to seize goods to the value of.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Needs to be paid, cash, debit or credit card.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01I think you do, sir.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07This is a woman that you sold a faulty horsebox to.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15'A few minutes later, Danny Jackson comes back
0:18:15 > 0:18:18'and asks Darryl and Mark to leave.'
0:18:18 > 0:18:20No, we won't be leaving, sir.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Vehicles will be seized if the amount isn't paid within the hour.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28Any which will cover the debt.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32Any which will cover the debt and costs.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- What about the truck?- Sorry? - What about the horse truck.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38You got any proof, documentation for that?
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Do you want to grab that for us?
0:18:41 > 0:18:45'While Danny Jackson goes looking for his documentation,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47'Darryl heads to the back of the house.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52'Sheriffs are legally entitled to enter a residential property named in a writ
0:18:52 > 0:18:54'through an unlocked door or window,
0:18:54 > 0:18:58'and Darryl finds that the back door isn't locked.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00'He takes his chance to enter.'
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Is it Mr Jackson, is it?
0:19:02 > 0:19:06Do you have proof of purchase on any of the vehicles, as well,
0:19:06 > 0:19:08not just the log book?
0:19:08 > 0:19:13'Mr Jackson is not at all happy about Darryl being in his house
0:19:13 > 0:19:16'and decides to take emergency action.'
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Yes, I want the police, please.
0:19:19 > 0:19:24- Yes, I've got a team of blokes round here...- Enforcement officers.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- Enforcement officers. They forced themselves in the house. - We didn't force our way in.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33Yeah, but I want police assistance.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Because he just pushed himself in the house.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37It's the first I've heard of it.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40It's not the first you've heard of it, sir.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45'With the police now on their way, Darryl and Mr Jackson get back to the matter in hand.'
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- What do you want off me? Proof of what?- We want payment.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- I ain't got payment.- Is there anyone that can help you out with it today?
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- Sorry?- Is there anybody that can help you out with it today?
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- No, because I didn't know you were coming.- Do you want to make a few phone calls?
0:19:58 > 0:20:00At this time in the morning, who am I going to ring up?
0:20:00 > 0:20:04I don't know your circumstances, but at this time, you owe the money.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06'Mr Jackson says he can't afford to pay the debt
0:20:06 > 0:20:10'as he's been out of work for two years due to ill health.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14'He insists Bonfield Horseboxes is an old trading name
0:20:14 > 0:20:19'which has nothing to do with any assets on his property not even the horsebox.'
0:20:19 > 0:20:23We need to get the money raised or goods are going to be seized.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Do you know anyone that can put this on a credit card for you?
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Nothing on this premises belongs to Bonfield Horseboxes.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35We've got down from Companies House that it's trading from this address. So as far as we're concerned,
0:20:35 > 0:20:40goods on this premises are owned by Bonfield Horseboxes.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Not so. Because it's not a registered business.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47Do you want to make some phone calls and try and get some money raised? We'll take a debit or credit card.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- I can't do it. I can't get £5,000. - You need to get proof of purchase on the vehicles, then. The horsebox...
0:20:54 > 0:20:56'Mr Jackson will need to prove the vehicles on the property
0:20:56 > 0:20:59'don't belong to Bonfield Horseboxes.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03'But while he sets about doing that, on the other side of the house...'
0:21:03 > 0:21:08- I think the police are here. - 'Darryl heads out to talk to the boys in blue.'
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- Hello, sir. - We're enforcement officers.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14We've got a High Court writ against Bonfield Horseboxes.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19Obviously, we're just trying to get this money raised or seize goods to the value of.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- He's saying nothing here belongs to Bonfield.- Right.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26'Darryl knows he's operating legally on the property
0:21:26 > 0:21:29'and that the police are only likely to help him.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34'Mr Jackson, however, is hopeful that the long arm of the law will be on his side.'
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- Morning.- Hello, how are you? - All right, are you?- Yeah.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- It's a dispute about a horsebox. - So this Bonfield are the company?
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- Bonfield Horseboxes. - Is that your own company?
0:21:44 > 0:21:48Yes, but... Well, it was, like, yeah.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53- I sold out two years ago. But I didn't know...- Right, OK.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57'Mr Jackson explains his side of the situation to the police,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59'but there's nothing they can do to help him.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03'But even though the law's on Darryl's side, he's running into problems.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06'Mr Jackson won't pay
0:22:06 > 0:22:11'and Darryl can't prove anything on the property definitely belongs to Bonfield Horseboxes.'
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- I think he owns that, but I can't prove it.- No.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20'The police depart as there's nothing more they can do.
0:22:20 > 0:22:26'But before he follows them, Darryl wants to make one last attempt to convince Mr Jackson to pay up.'
0:22:26 > 0:22:28The debt's not going to go away. It needs to be paid.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32It can be paid in full or it can be paid over instalments.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37We can take a credit card. We've got a PDQ machine.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41I can give you a credit card, but there's nothing that can come out of it, I can tell you that.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45Cos, you know, I just haven't got the money.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49'With Mr Jackson still refusing to pay,
0:22:49 > 0:22:53'Darryl decides to carry out a walking possession,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56'seizing what assets he can on paper.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58'They technically belong to the court now.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03'If Mr Jackson can't prove they don't belong to Bonfield Horseboxes in the next five days,
0:23:03 > 0:23:07'then the sheriffs might need to remove and auction them.'
0:23:07 > 0:23:10What we'll have to do, we'll leave you with some paperwork.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15Like I say, the debt's not going to go away, it's only going to increase if we have to call out again.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17I've been up there...
0:23:17 > 0:23:20'Mr Jackson wants to tell us his side of the story.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25'He says he tried to abide by the court judgment and went to Durham to collect the horsebox
0:23:25 > 0:23:28'with a view to selling it to pay back the Mercers.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32'But he says the landowner where it's currently parked wouldn't let it go.'
0:23:32 > 0:23:38We went up there twice, total of 250 there, 1,000 miles we've done trying to get it
0:23:38 > 0:23:40and the bloke would not release it.
0:23:40 > 0:23:45'All Darryl can do is reflect on a testing visit.'
0:23:45 > 0:23:48Not the greatest of calls. It wasn't brilliant from the offset, really.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Company at home address, never great.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56Hopefully this bit of pressure today will make him go and get the vehicle back, get it sold
0:23:56 > 0:24:00and then Miss Mercer will get the full money that she's owed.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04'Thankfully for Beth and Janet, Darryl was right.
0:24:04 > 0:24:10'It seems their surprise visit was enough to inspire a change of heart from Mr Jackson.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12'He later agreed to pay in full
0:24:12 > 0:24:15'and has now also picked up the horsebox.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21'Finally, the delighted Mercer family can now move on from their ordeal.'
0:24:21 > 0:24:26I think the sheriffs going out made him take notice of the fact that we weren't going to go away.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29He did then actually get in touch with the court
0:24:29 > 0:24:32and then offered to pay the full balance.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35Hopefully, Alice will be able to get out and compete a bit more,
0:24:35 > 0:24:38cos I'm not going to be working six days a week.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42- Extremely good result.- Yeah. - But we wouldn't have got it without the sheriffs.- Absolutely.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50HE KNOCKS AT DOOR
0:24:50 > 0:24:55'Back in Suffolk, sheriffs Lawrence and Kev are still waiting for builder Andrew Parkinson,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58'boss of Temple Anglia Limited.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00'They're looking to collect over £14,000,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03'including interest, court and sheriff fees,
0:25:03 > 0:25:07'on behalf of Fred Rich and Adrian Butcher
0:25:07 > 0:25:12'following a dispute over a building project they'd paid out £20,000 for.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14'Finally, half an hour later,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17'an expensive-looking car pulls up on the drive
0:25:17 > 0:25:22'and things are looking up. It's time for some introductions.'
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Hello, sir. I'm looking for Temple Anglia Limited.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30It's not here? My name's Mr Grix, I'm a enforcement officer.
0:25:30 > 0:25:35I've got a High Court writ to execute against Temple Anglia and this is the address we've been sent to.
0:25:35 > 0:25:40The total outstanding at the moment is £14,225.74.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44'It's the director of Temple Anglia Limited, Andrew Parkinson.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48'He insists there are no assets at the property relating to the company.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51'He says the sheriffs have come to his home address
0:25:51 > 0:25:53'that has nothing to do with the business
0:25:53 > 0:25:57'and they have no right to be there. Lawrence disagrees.'
0:25:57 > 0:26:02I can be sent to any address in England and Wales where it's believed the defendant has assets.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05You're a director of the company so you can deal with this,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08because you are a director, so you're refusing to deal with it.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12'With Mr Parkinson not interested in paying the debt,
0:26:12 > 0:26:16'Lawrence's interest shifts to one asset he can't deny is there.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18'The car he arrived in.'
0:26:20 > 0:26:23So the Jaguar is yours personally? Have you got proof of that, sir?
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Otherwise we'll be seizing that today.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29'He repeats that there are no company assets at the property.'
0:26:29 > 0:26:31You need to prove it, sir.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35'He threatens to call the police if Lawrence doesn't leave his premises.'
0:26:35 > 0:26:38OK, call the police. Go and block the drive, Kev.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43We'll clear it up when the police arrive.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49'With Andrew Parkinson fuming, our camera withdraws to the street
0:26:49 > 0:26:52'so as not to enflame the situation further.
0:26:52 > 0:26:57'With the Jag safely blocked in, Kev calls the office to check its ownership
0:26:57 > 0:27:01'while a clearly riled Mr Parkinson tries to convince the police
0:27:01 > 0:27:05'they should intervene and make the sheriffs leave his property.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08'Determined to get Fred and Adrian's money,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11'Lawrence and Kev are standing firm.'
0:27:11 > 0:27:13- Do an HPI on that?- Yeah, please.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18Hi, Kathy, it's Kev. Can you do an HPI for us, please?
0:27:18 > 0:27:22'With the law on his side, Lawrence tries to reason with Mr Parkinson
0:27:22 > 0:27:24'not to waste police time.'
0:27:24 > 0:27:26This is the address on the writ.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Our only interest at the moment is the vehicle.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33If you'd proved that you own that personally, we'd have been gone ten minutes ago
0:27:33 > 0:27:35and there'd have been no cause to call the police.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42'When the office calls back, it's not the news Lawrence and Kev were hoping for.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46'The car's nothing to do with the business named on the writ.'
0:27:46 > 0:27:49All right, Kathy. Thanks very much. Bye.
0:27:50 > 0:27:55- It's on finance. - Is it? He's gone to get us the proof now, now we've had the call.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58'It's frustrating for the sheriffs.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02'With the debtor saying he won't pay and with the car on finance
0:28:02 > 0:28:09'and therefore not seizable, there's not much more they can do today to get Fred and Adrian's money back.'
0:28:09 > 0:28:11We've got too many miles to do.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15'As they prepare to leave, Mr Parkinson decides to come out
0:28:15 > 0:28:18'and continue the debate on the street.'
0:28:18 > 0:28:20We've had confirmation that it's on finance.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23You might want to call the police so you're not wasting their time.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25- Can you give me some- BLEEP - confirmation of who you are?
0:28:25 > 0:28:28I've got some paperwork for you, sir, actually.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32- There you go, sir.- Thank you very much. You're not entitled... - Yes, we are. Yes, we are.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35- This is not the registered address. - We know what our job requires.
0:28:35 > 0:28:40It doesn't matter whether it's the registered office or not. This is the address on the writ.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42'Lawrence offers him some legal advice.'
0:28:42 > 0:28:45What I suggest you do, sir, is just deal with it.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48It's not going to go away, it's a High Court writ.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52Let me tell you something. I am dealing with it, cos in a week, the company won't exist.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56'If Mr Parkinson carries through with this threat
0:28:56 > 0:29:00'and dissolves Temple Anglia Limited, the company named on the writ,
0:29:00 > 0:29:06'it's likely to prove a body blow to Fred and Adrian's chances of getting their money back.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10'As the sheriffs depart, his refusal to deal with the company's debt
0:29:10 > 0:29:12'has left Lawrence far from happy.'
0:29:12 > 0:29:17There were no assets to take. He said he's dealing with it
0:29:17 > 0:29:19because in a week's time, the company won't exist,
0:29:19 > 0:29:24which is a typical way out for a lot of companies in this day and age.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27It's... You know, it's disgraceful
0:29:27 > 0:29:32the way limited companies are allowed to run up loads of debts and just fold.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35It shouldn't be allowed. They should tighten up on it.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39'It's not the outcome Fred and Adrian were hoping for,
0:29:39 > 0:29:43'but the sheriffs won't be giving up and will now investigate other places
0:29:43 > 0:29:46'Mr Parkinson's company may have assets.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50'Andrew Parkinson told us that he contested Fred and Adrian's court claim
0:29:50 > 0:29:54'and that all parties had agreed to dispute resolution.
0:29:54 > 0:29:59'He said it had been a commercial decision on his behalf to agree a settlement.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02'He denies there was anything wrong with the work he carried out
0:30:02 > 0:30:05'and vigorously disputes that the contract amount agreed
0:30:05 > 0:30:08'was ever inclusive of VAT.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10'He said he is currently working with his accountants
0:30:10 > 0:30:14'to settle the agreed claim of £12,000.'
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Give it the bailiff knock. HE KNOCKS ON DOOR
0:30:22 > 0:30:26'For most people, one encounter with the sheriffs is more than enough
0:30:26 > 0:30:32'to make them realise it's better to pay up the money they owe before it gets to that stage.'
0:30:32 > 0:30:37- Come on, then, get it.- Yeah? There you go. I'll write you out a receipt.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41'But today, sheriffs Pete Spencer and Dave Lockwood
0:30:41 > 0:30:44'are going back to the same company for the third time.'
0:30:44 > 0:30:47We're on our way to Southern UK Road Services,
0:30:47 > 0:30:50just outside Manchester.
0:30:50 > 0:30:55The total due today is £1,303.95
0:30:55 > 0:30:59and he's been in a payment plan to pay monthly
0:30:59 > 0:31:02and he's failed his payment plan, that's why we're returning today,
0:31:02 > 0:31:08to potentially remove goods to the value of or to collect the balance in full.
0:31:12 > 0:31:17'In our last series, Pete had two separate encounters with Mr Wrigley,
0:31:17 > 0:31:21'director of a company called Southern UK Road Services.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26'They were there on behalf of a former employee, Leslie Stonier,
0:31:26 > 0:31:29'whom a court ruled had been unfairly dismissed by the company.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34'A judge awarded her £8,500.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37'When Southern UK Road Services failed to pay,
0:31:37 > 0:31:40'Leslie turned to the sheriffs for help.'
0:31:40 > 0:31:44Listen, I'm a director of the company. I'm now asking you to leave the premises.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48- Phone the police.- I will do!- OK. - OK.- That's fine.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52Explain to them when you do phone them that we've seized goods. OK?
0:31:52 > 0:31:55I've got a writ to attend here and that's why I'm on the premises.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59'Pete found Mr Wrigley a somewhat tricky customer.'
0:31:59 > 0:32:03So we're not here, really, to even enter a discussion about how much. It's full payment or remove.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09'Pete's tough negotiating meant their second stand-off ended
0:32:09 > 0:32:14'with Mr Wrigley paying half the money owed to Leslie Stonier in one lump sum.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18'Since then, further payments have been made,
0:32:18 > 0:32:21'but these haven't continued as agreed.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25'With the debt also rising through interest and fees,
0:32:25 > 0:32:28'Pete is now going back for act three,
0:32:28 > 0:32:31'to get this debt settled once and for all.'
0:32:32 > 0:32:38He won't be given a final option now to catch up with a payment plan.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41He's failed that and that's been his last option now.
0:32:43 > 0:32:49'Unlike most of their visits, Pete knows the layout of this premises like the back of his hand
0:32:49 > 0:32:51'and can plan accordingly.'
0:32:51 > 0:32:53There's a locked gate which has got barbed wire on the top.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57We may have to get a locksmith to effect entry for us.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00Might have a problem getting in this morning.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Erm, but we'll see how we go.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09'As they arrive, Pete's prediction is proved right.'
0:33:09 > 0:33:13The gate is shut so we will have to give them a call.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18Hiya, good morning, it's Mr Spencer. I've been before.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20Is there one of the directors that I could speak to?
0:33:20 > 0:33:24Are you the guy I spoke to last time when we did the payment?
0:33:24 > 0:33:27OK, thanks. There we go.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31He's gone to see if he can find the director, so he's obviously on site,
0:33:31 > 0:33:37so we'll just wait and see if he appears or rings me back.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40'As they wait, a man comes out of the office
0:33:40 > 0:33:43'and introduces himself as the company accountant.'
0:33:43 > 0:33:46That's going to have to be paid today or else we are removing goods.
0:33:46 > 0:33:51'He tells Pete Southern UK Road Services only has £30 in its account,
0:33:51 > 0:33:56'somewhat less than the outstanding debt that they're there to collect.'
0:33:56 > 0:34:00I need to come in and see him, anyway. So if we can come in and see him...
0:34:00 > 0:34:03'Pete is less than convinced.'
0:34:03 > 0:34:06A big company like this has no way got £30 in an account.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08Hopefully.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13'As they park up, the accountant disappears back into the office.'
0:34:17 > 0:34:20I guarantee his door will be locked.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25Came out of the front door, locked it behind him and he's locked it again now,
0:34:25 > 0:34:28so I'm going to have to tell them that they need to let us in
0:34:28 > 0:34:30otherwise we'll be getting locksmith.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33'The door opens to reveal a familiar face,
0:34:33 > 0:34:35'company director Mr Wrigley,
0:34:35 > 0:34:39'who has good reason to remember Pete and our camera.'
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- Not on camera again. - That's your choice,
0:34:42 > 0:34:44but I'm coming in anyway today whether you let me in or not.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47Not on camera, OK? Cos I've...
0:34:47 > 0:34:53'We're told to wait outside while Pete gets on with the familiar task
0:34:53 > 0:34:56'of putting the squeeze on Mr Wrigley.'
0:34:57 > 0:35:01Obviously, you've failed your monthly agreement, by the sounds of it.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05'Inside, Mr Wrigley is adamant he can't pay any money
0:35:05 > 0:35:07'and says Pete will just have to wait.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10'He also says the majority of the equipment in the yard
0:35:10 > 0:35:13'is leased through a third party and so can't be seized.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16'This isn't good enough for Pete.
0:35:16 > 0:35:21'He tells his favourite customer it's payment in full or removal of goods.'
0:35:21 > 0:35:24You tell me what you paid for them and I'll work out a rough idea.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29'The only question is, will there be enough seizable assets in the yard
0:35:29 > 0:35:33'that do belong to the company to cover the debt?
0:35:33 > 0:35:38'Removing goods itself is expensive but Pete certainly won't be paying for this himself.
0:35:38 > 0:35:43'Instead, these fees will be added to the debt they're there to collect.'
0:35:43 > 0:35:47It's going to be probably three, four, five, six,
0:35:47 > 0:35:49seven, eight.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52Eight traffic lights generators
0:35:52 > 0:35:54and probably some road cones.
0:35:54 > 0:36:00The one in there's going. The one they've put on charge that he said is going out, it's not going anywhere.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03'With Mr Wrigley forced to accept his goods are being removed
0:36:03 > 0:36:07'and realising this time no excuses are going to prevent it,
0:36:07 > 0:36:10'he decides he's seen enough of Pete.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13'For today's visit, anyway.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17'With Pete satisfied there's more than enough assets inside,
0:36:17 > 0:36:19'it's time to call the tow truck.'
0:36:19 > 0:36:22It's well after three o'clock. We've probably been here
0:36:22 > 0:36:24about three hours now, three and a half hours.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27The director's disappeared.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30He says just take whatever we need to take.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33He's planning on paying in full tomorrow. He's got five days.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37So what we've done is we've seized a forklift truck,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39some battery-operated traffic lights,
0:36:39 > 0:36:44a trailer and a couple of LED screens.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47'If necessary, these can now be sold
0:36:47 > 0:36:53'to clear what's still left of Southern UK Road Services' debt to Leslie Stonier.'
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Hopefully, he's going to pay in full and that'll be all sorted.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03'For Pete, with a truck full of assets, it's a case of third time lucky.'
0:37:03 > 0:37:08With a cost today of removing, additional auction inventory fee, as well,
0:37:08 > 0:37:14the total he needs to pay is £2,794.79.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17He did say before he left he would be paying tomorrow
0:37:17 > 0:37:20and he would be getting the goods back tomorrow once he's paid in full,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23so we'll just have to wait and see if he pays in full
0:37:23 > 0:37:27or the items, in five days, go into the auction to recover the outstanding amount.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31That's a job well done today.
0:37:39 > 0:37:44'On their way to another date with a debtor are sheriffs Lawrence and Kev.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48'Today, they're heading into Kent.'
0:37:48 > 0:37:52We've got a writ to enforce against a Mr Lee Hudson.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56We're looking to collect just under £3,500.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01The claimant is a Ms Nicola Morgan.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03'Nicola Morgan paid Lee Hudson
0:38:03 > 0:38:06'to carry out work on her kitchen and bathroom.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08'She was less than happy at the results, though,
0:38:08 > 0:38:11'and the matter eventually ended up in court.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14'Mr Hudson didn't attend the hearing
0:38:14 > 0:38:17'and the judge awarded in Nicola's favour.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21'She's had some of the money back but is still several thousand pounds short.
0:38:25 > 0:38:30'Which is what Lawrence and Kev are at Lee Hudson's house to collect.
0:38:30 > 0:38:35'They park up outside and head in to see if they can find him.'
0:38:35 > 0:38:40- Show me ID, mate.- Enforcement officers, not actually bailiffs. We've got a High Court writ.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44We're looking for £3,444.06.
0:38:44 > 0:38:49- We're ordered here to seize goods to that value today if you can't pay in full.- Oh.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53- You're not aware of... - No. I know Nicola Morgan
0:38:53 > 0:38:56but I didn't know there was any court thing against it or anything.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- But you know you owe her money. - Yeah, but we run a bathroom company.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- We're going through the motions. - Yeah.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06Can this be resolved in any other way?
0:39:06 > 0:39:11No, it needs to be paid in full, mate. We can give you a little bit of time now.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- We're not talking days or anything like that.- How much was it?
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- Just under three and a half. - No prior warning to this?
0:39:18 > 0:39:22- No, we don't.- Obviously, if you don't know anything about this, you owed the money...
0:39:22 > 0:39:26'Mr Hudson might not be sure about how much he knows about the case,
0:39:26 > 0:39:31'but he is sure that there are no assets in his house that the sheriffs can seize.'
0:39:31 > 0:39:34- There's nothing in my name here. It's all in- BLEEP- name.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36- Who's that, your other half? - My other half, yeah.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39- Erm...- I ain't got nothing.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43- Basically, what it is, there's a CCJ against you.- Yeah.- OK?
0:39:43 > 0:39:47'At this point, we're asked to leave the premises.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51'Lawrence and Kev, however, continue their discussions with Mr Hudson inside.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55'Time for a lesson in how the High Court system works.'
0:39:56 > 0:39:59If the judge orders that you pay in 14 or 28 days,
0:39:59 > 0:40:01if you haven't paid by that time,
0:40:01 > 0:40:03technically you're in contempt of court.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07Is Bigg'in Bathrooms a limited company?
0:40:08 > 0:40:13If it was a limited company and she'd done you as a director and it should've been against the company,
0:40:13 > 0:40:17then you might have some recourse to get it changed, but because it's you as a sole trader...
0:40:17 > 0:40:20'Things aren't looking good for Mr Hudson.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22'The writ's in his name personally,
0:40:22 > 0:40:26'so anything the sheriffs can link to him is potentially seizable.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30'To ram home the point, Lawrence gets listing assets.'
0:40:30 > 0:40:33We'll do an inventory of stuff here.
0:40:33 > 0:40:40This is just saving time because we basically charge £181.50 an hour waiting time, plus VAT.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43You get your first hour, but if the money didn't come through
0:40:43 > 0:40:47and then it took us another hour to inventory after that, it'd cost you even more money.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51'Faced with the sheriffs listing his assets,
0:40:51 > 0:40:56'Mr Hudson realises he's got no choice but to find a way to pay up.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00'Lawrence checks in with the office to see if payment has been made.'
0:41:00 > 0:41:03The bank apparently have faxed us over
0:41:03 > 0:41:05the confirmation of payment.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Would you be able to go and check the fax for me? Cheers.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11Lovely. All right. Thanks very much.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15'The payment has gone through.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18'Lawrence is thoroughly pleased with his morning's work.'
0:41:18 > 0:41:21We've collected in full, so we walked in,
0:41:21 > 0:41:23they were aware of the debt,
0:41:23 > 0:41:27had to contact a relative who transferred the money into the account.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30So it's another paid in full.
0:41:30 > 0:41:35'The money in full means Nicola finally getting what she was owed all along.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42'Lee Hudson told us that the majority of refurbishment work he carried out for Nicola Morgan
0:41:42 > 0:41:44'was completed to her satisfaction.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48'He said the only dispute was over the kitchen work,
0:41:48 > 0:41:52'the delays to which were caused by factors outside his control.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56'He said he offered to finish the work, but was asked not to by Nicola.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58'He said he tried to contest the case
0:41:58 > 0:42:01'but was unable to attend court due to illness.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03'And he said he is currently in the process
0:42:03 > 0:42:06'of bringing his own legal action regarding the matter.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12'Since Lawrence and Kev's visit to Andrew Parkinson in Suffolk,
0:42:12 > 0:42:15'Fred and Adrian have paid out once again
0:42:15 > 0:42:17'to have their house and workspace built,
0:42:17 > 0:42:21'and now have the extension they always wanted.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27'And despite saying they would pay off their debts the next day
0:42:27 > 0:42:29'to get back their removed assets,
0:42:29 > 0:42:32'Southern UK Road Services didn't.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34'As the assets are too big to move easily,
0:42:34 > 0:42:37'they're currently being sold by an auction house online
0:42:37 > 0:42:39'to raise funds to pay off the debt
0:42:39 > 0:42:43'so Lesley Stonier can finally get the money she's owed.'