0:00:02 > 0:00:03- Meet the sheriffs. - Let's introduce ourselves.
0:00:03 > 0:00:07I'm a High Court enforcement officer. We're here to execute a writ.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11They'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 > 0:00:16- If you've been ripped off and don't know where to turn... - I'm not waiting any more.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20I'm ordered to seize goods to clear this debt, which means clearing this place out.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24..if you've been to court, but still not been paid what you're owed...
0:00:24 > 0:00:28Why don't you tell me who you are? This is an absolute crock!
0:00:28 > 0:00:31..the High Court enforcement officers are charged by law
0:00:31 > 0:00:36- to recover what a court says is rightfully yours. - I've seized your car, sir.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- Let us through the door or we'll go through the window. - Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- It's time to call the sheriffs. - We've just collected 42 grand.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Coming up...
0:00:49 > 0:00:54Pub landlord Graham Short paid £10,000 for wind turbines
0:00:54 > 0:00:55which didn't work.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59They weren't generating enough electricity to power a light bulb.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Can the sheriffs get him the money he's owed?
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Anastasia Gill was promised £1,000
0:01:06 > 0:01:09for her half share of a breeding horse
0:01:09 > 0:01:11but hasn't received a penny.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15I think he just wanted to ignore me.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17"This silly little blonde will just forget about me."
0:01:17 > 0:01:19That wasn't going to happen.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23The sheriffs saddle up to get her her money back.
0:01:23 > 0:01:30We're here today to seize goods to the value of £1,882 and 63 pence.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34And sheriff Pete's got bad news for an aircraft company
0:01:34 > 0:01:35that hasn't paid up its debts.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39You won't be able to leave. I've just seized this aircraft.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44For regular sheriff partners Marc Newton and Tony Smith,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47it's a very early start this morning
0:01:47 > 0:01:51and Tony, for one, is feeling the lack of sleep.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- I'll just put the heating on. - It's not even cold!
0:01:54 > 0:01:57I'm a little bit chilly. I'm getting old, mate.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59I'm getting old. I've had no tea or coffee.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Stop moaning! You could've come to my room for a cup of tea.
0:02:03 > 0:02:09The sun's not up, but the sheriffs are already on their way to their first job of the day.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11And it's a big one.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15We're off to a residential address in Bideford, Devon.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19We're looking for the amount of £13,500
0:02:19 > 0:02:23from a company called Smart Power Products Ltd.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28I believe that this is the director's address.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Hopefully, he's got some company assets there
0:02:31 > 0:02:33or he runs the company from there.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37The person they're trying to help is pub landlord Graham Short,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40from Dartmoor in Devon.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43When he paid to install wind turbines on his pub roof,
0:02:43 > 0:02:48Graham thought he would be doing his bit to save the planet, while also saving money.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52Instead, it's cost him thousands,
0:02:52 > 0:02:56left him forced to go to court and relying on the sheriffs for help.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01He's put the nail in the coffin for renewable energy, as far as I'm concerned.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03I am very, very annoyed.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Well, furious.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09You get to a point when you think, "Why did I even bother to do this?"
0:03:18 > 0:03:23Graham's troubles started when he decided that, given his pub's remote location,
0:03:23 > 0:03:25it needed a back-up power supply.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31Being on the edge of Dartmoor, having notorious power cuts in the winter,
0:03:31 > 0:03:36we needed a back-up system which would keep our gas operation system going
0:03:36 > 0:03:39because as soon as the electric cuts out, the gas cuts out.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43His search for a new energy system
0:03:43 > 0:03:46brought him to self-styled wind turbine expert
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Rupert Sweet-Escott,
0:03:48 > 0:03:50who claimed to have the perfect solution,
0:03:50 > 0:03:54one which was not only green, but would also, he said,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57considerably reduce the running costs of the pub.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01We were advised by Mr Escott of Smart Power Products
0:04:01 > 0:04:04that we could save up to 25-30%
0:04:04 > 0:04:07of our electricity bills across the year.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10In this economic climate, you've got to save every penny you can.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14If the wind is blowing and producing free energy
0:04:14 > 0:04:16for me to use to stay open me, that's brilliant.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Impressed by the figures and by the design of the wind turbine chimneys,
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Graham was eager to go ahead.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29He paid Mr Sweet-Escott £5,000 up front
0:04:29 > 0:04:33to get on with installing them on his pub roof.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36There'll be two towers, looking like chimneys,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38on top of the existing roof.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41He was delighted to have solved his electricity problems
0:04:41 > 0:04:46in such a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48He seemed a very knowledgeable person,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51the sort of person that knew what they were talking about
0:04:51 > 0:04:53and could supply you with a product that was going to work.
0:04:53 > 0:04:59I thought I was going to be happy, it's going to be up and running, all singing and dancing and lovely.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03But as months passed, Mr Sweet-Escott failed to start the job,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06blaming a series of problems for the delays.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Finally, after a whole year, work commenced,
0:05:09 > 0:05:13with Mr Sweet-Escott installing his revolutionary turbines himself,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16as shown in these photos.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21Graham paid another £5,000 for the hardware.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23But when the installation was complete,
0:05:23 > 0:05:27the long-awaited wind turbines were far from the mean, green
0:05:27 > 0:05:31electricity-generating machines he'd been promised.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Basically, they never worked from day one.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37They'd vibrate and the wind would catch between the blades.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40It was similar to a Chinook helicopter going overhead.
0:05:40 > 0:05:46There'd be a strong "thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud..."
0:05:46 > 0:05:50That would be constant all day long. That's all you would hear.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54The main issue was the fact that they just didn't work.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56We had them tested out
0:05:56 > 0:06:00and they weren't even generating enough electricity to power a light bulb.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Rupert Sweet-Escott tried several times, without success,
0:06:05 > 0:06:09to fix the problems with the turbines.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14Becoming convinced his explanations for why they weren't working were nothing more than hot air,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Graham had reached the end of his tether.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19He turned up, he'd do something, it still wasn't right.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22He'd turn up and do something else, it still wasn't right.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24So then I contacted him by email
0:06:24 > 0:06:30and said, "Look, enough is enough. I want these things taken down."
0:06:30 > 0:06:32After talking to the Citizens Advice Bureau,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36Graham rejected the turbines as being unfit for purpose
0:06:36 > 0:06:39and demanded a full refund.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43Wind turbines are supposed to generate electricity.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45They didn't generate electricity.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Not fit for purpose - you get your money back.
0:06:48 > 0:06:49Cut and dried.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52He did acknowledge the fact that they didn't work
0:06:52 > 0:06:55and the fact he did owe me my money back
0:06:55 > 0:06:58and was intending on paying my money back.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Graham wanted his ill-fated foray into renewal energy
0:07:02 > 0:07:04to come to an end.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08Mr Sweet-Escott agreed to take back his noisy turbines
0:07:08 > 0:07:10and return Graham's full payment.
0:07:10 > 0:07:16However, with the turbines gone, Graham's still waiting for his money.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19All I have left is an empty roof.
0:07:19 > 0:07:25My bit towards renewable energy and a greener environment is gone,
0:07:25 > 0:07:29and I'm £11,000 worse off for it.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Graham's only option left was to take him to court.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38When the case was heard, Mr Sweet-Escott failed to contest it
0:07:38 > 0:07:43and the court ordered he pay Graham £11,280.
0:07:43 > 0:07:49But since then, he's ignored the court's judgment and still failed to pay up.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Now it's down to Marc and Tony to pay him a visit
0:07:53 > 0:07:56and ask for the money in person.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00It's still dark when the sheriffs arrive at Mr Sweet-Escott's house.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02They go and knock on the door.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05GATE CREAKS
0:08:09 > 0:08:11That's quite loud.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- DOG BARKS - There you go. That's their dog.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Marc's knocking has woken up a dog, but no-one's answering the door.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35And he's noticed something else
0:08:35 > 0:08:39that suggests they may have had a wasted journey.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- I'm hoping they're not away. There's mail piled up. - Oh, is there?- Yes.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- They might have someone come in and let the dog out.- They could do.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51There's a pile of mail on the side that big.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54There's no movement at all.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57I really don't think there's anybody in.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59With no signs of life from inside,
0:08:59 > 0:09:04their only play is to list goods which may belong to Rupert Sweet-Escott
0:09:04 > 0:09:06and leave him a notice of seizure.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09They start with the vehicles parked back down the hill.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11Marc generously nominates Tony for this.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16- Do you want to run down the stairs and...?- Run back up?- Yes!
0:09:16 > 0:09:18Go on. You need the training. It's good for you.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Then suddenly, Marc hears something.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Oh, here, Tone. There's someone here now.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Hello. I'm after...
0:09:35 > 0:09:38..erm, Smart Power Products Ltd.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40It's about an outstanding High Court writ.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44It's the man they need to speak to - Rupert Sweet-Escott.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46He invites the sheriffs in
0:09:46 > 0:09:48but tells our camera to stay outside.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Marc gets straight to the point.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56With additional interest, court and sheriffs' fees, the bill has gone up.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01It's about a High Court writ that's been issued for £13,500...
0:10:01 > 0:10:05We have to start removing stuff if you can't...
0:10:05 > 0:10:07That's what we're here to do. How much could you do?
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Mr Sweet-Escott offers to pay them £500.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14With over £13,000 outstanding,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17this isn't going to work for Marc and Tony.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21You're going to need to pay at least half.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24We really should collect the full amount.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26We have to execute the writ.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Because of your circumstances, well, we need to take half.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33We understand it's quite a large amount to pay up in one lump.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Mr Sweet-Escott maintains he can't afford to pay.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41We need to get at least half of this or we'll have to remove goods.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Have you got anyone that could help you out?
0:10:43 > 0:10:45With the sheriffs keeping the pressure up,
0:10:45 > 0:10:49Mr Sweet-Escott significantly ups his offer -
0:10:49 > 0:10:51£3,000.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55I'll do three grand now. Do you want to do it on the debit card?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57We have to take an inventory of your goods.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- We won't take nothing, we just have to take an inventory. - We have to take an inventory
0:11:02 > 0:11:03to secure the debt.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06I just need you to sign there to say we've listed them.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09"Goods still in property, not removed."
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Marc's tough stance has had the desired effect.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16With night turning to day, they're leaving with money in the bank
0:11:16 > 0:11:21and an offer from Sweet-Escott to settle the rest of the debt in monthly instalments.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24We've got a quarter of the debt.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27He's not happy, but, you know,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30unfortunately, we've got the writ and he needs to pay that.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34I wouldn't be surprised if, in the pile, there's the original court paperwork
0:11:34 > 0:11:37that he's just not opened and done anything with.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40If the defendant doesn't keep making payments as promised,
0:11:40 > 0:11:44the sheriffs will be back to remove goods to cover the debt.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47It's been a cracking morning's work for the sheriffs.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52More importantly, it means Graham Short will finally get at least some of his money,
0:11:52 > 0:11:57even if he'll have to look elsewhere for an alternative means of back-up power.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01I'm glad the sheriffs have managed to see Mr Sweet-Escott
0:12:01 > 0:12:04and retrieve some of my money, which is a start, I suppose.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08I feel confident that I will get all the money eventually,
0:12:08 > 0:12:12now the ball is rolling and the sheriffs are involved in the matter.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16We will keep on top of it until we do get it all.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21And since the sheriffs visited Mr Sweet-Escott's home,
0:12:21 > 0:12:23he asked to put his side of the story,
0:12:23 > 0:12:25saying the technology was experimental,
0:12:25 > 0:12:29and early on he had offered a refund.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34I accept the full blame and, you know, sorry.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Hands up, I'm sorry, Graham.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39He did refuse a refund.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42I said, "This product is not ready at this time,"
0:12:42 > 0:12:49which, in my book, basically means that I can take my time, I can get it right.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53This is the name of the game with the development of new products. It takes time.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57Mr Sweet-Escott also explained
0:12:57 > 0:13:01why he hadn't got the court paperwork earlier.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06Nowadays, nobody reads the post. Everyone reads their inbox.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10Er, the post is very 19th...
0:13:10 > 0:13:13..you know, 20th century, isn't it?
0:13:13 > 0:13:14Isn't it?
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- Ready for action.- Let's go, then.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22Sheriffs enforce over 70,000 High Court writs every year,
0:13:22 > 0:13:28and a sheriff never knows what he's going to encounter until he gets there.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Hello?
0:13:30 > 0:13:34We're going round in circles. You do what you've got to do and I'll do what I've got to do.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38Some are only too happy to pay up, whatever the size of the debt.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- We'll do it.- Yes?- Yes.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- Okey-dokey.- OK. - We'll leave you in peace.- Lovely.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Others are not so happy.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50You're not going to pay a penny? OK. We'll start removing goods, then.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Only sheriffs can execute High Court writs.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56It gives them more powers than county court bailiffs
0:13:56 > 0:13:59to enter properties and seize assets.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03It is a last resort to force entry. Hopefully, they'll see sense and open the door.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05The only way you can prevent further action is to pay in full.
0:14:05 > 0:14:11If no payment is forthcoming, sheriffs can seize goods to auction, to pay off debts.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15We'll have the silver Mazda and the BMW, and we've got the keys to move the blue Micra.
0:14:15 > 0:14:21Removing goods is rare, happening in less than 1% of cases.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30Hitting the open road today is the Northern Sheriff Brigade
0:14:30 > 0:14:34of Pete Spencer, Dave Crabtree and Dave Lockwood,
0:14:34 > 0:14:38en route to a rather unusual assignment.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41We're on our way to Blackpool Airport,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45a company called Aircraft Grouping Ltd.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48They're visiting on behalf of Steve Halliwell,
0:14:48 > 0:14:53who paid private plane syndicate firm Aircraft Grouping Limited £6,000
0:14:53 > 0:14:57for a share in ownership of one of their aircraft.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00When the company was unable to fix a fault in the plane,
0:15:00 > 0:15:05Steve told them he was leaving the syndicate and demanded a refund.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07After this request was ignored,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10he took them to court to recover his money.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12The company failed to contest the case
0:15:12 > 0:15:17and a judge ordered them to pay him £6,313.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21But since then, Steve hasn't received a penny.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26Now Pete and his team are ready to deliver Aircraft Grouping a runway ultimatum -
0:15:26 > 0:15:30pay up or the company's aircraft will be grounded, seized
0:15:30 > 0:15:34and, if necessary, removed to cover the debt.
0:15:36 > 0:15:42I've got a list of about eight planes that are meant to be situated at Blackpool Airport.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46If we have to, we'll clamp the plane, remove the relevant information that we need.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49The plane than becomes scrap value.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53We'll notify the airport authorities that we've seized the plane
0:15:53 > 0:15:56and request that they don't accept any flight plans for the aircraft.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Pete's no stranger to airport seizures.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03That's one of the planes there.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08When you're planning to seize assets worth hundreds of thousands of pounds,
0:16:08 > 0:16:10you need to have your bases covered.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12There's the notices, as well, for the pilots
0:16:12 > 0:16:15that will go to the cockpits of the planes.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19I've been to an airport before. I know the procedures.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21It's pretty straightforward really.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Airports might be old hat to Pete,
0:16:24 > 0:16:28but Dave Crabtree's excited about this visit...
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Whee!
0:16:30 > 0:16:33..and eager to get started.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37The sign that says Blackpool Airport gives it away, doesn't it?!
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Arriving at the airport,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Pete goes to show security the live High Court writ
0:16:42 > 0:16:44and explains what they've come to do.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47At this point, we're told to stop filming
0:16:47 > 0:16:50and are refused permission to follow him airside.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53And Dave Crabtree's forgotten something rather important
0:16:53 > 0:16:57that means he can't go in either - a photo driving licence.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01Unfortunately, I haven't brought the correct ID,
0:17:01 > 0:17:05so I can't, if they need to go airside,
0:17:05 > 0:17:07I can't get on a plane.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Bit disappointing, really, but there you go.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16We continue filming from outside the airport fence,
0:17:16 > 0:17:20as Pete and Dave Lockwood appear on the runway.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23All Dave Crabtree can do is watch,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26as they prepare for some high-level sheriffing.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29It's very frustrating, yes!
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Especially when they're in there and I'm out here and I can't...
0:17:33 > 0:17:35..I can't do nothing.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40With one of Aircraft Grouping's planes about to take off, Pete's arrived in the nick of time.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43He's got some bad news for the pilot.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45You're not going to be able to leave at the moment.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48I've just seized this aircraft. I need the...
0:17:48 > 0:17:52The registration documents can stay with the aircraft, but there's the insurance
0:17:52 > 0:17:56and there's the certificate of... Yes.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01That's been seized on the paperwork, so we...
0:18:01 > 0:18:04There's two guys wanting to go for a lesson
0:18:04 > 0:18:07and Pete has approached them and said they can't take a plane
0:18:07 > 0:18:12because it's been seized till we sort the matter out.
0:18:12 > 0:18:13Let me in!
0:18:13 > 0:18:18The seizure and grounding of the aircraft certainly shows Pete means business.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22At this point, a man emerges from a nearby Portakabin
0:18:22 > 0:18:26and introduces himself as the duty manager of Aircraft Grouping Ltd.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28I've got a High Court writ.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32It's from the 19th of the ninth, for that total.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35They moved it to High Court, which is where I'm attending from.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38They're looking for £8,054 and 80 pence.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42That's what I've come to collect. How would you like to pay?
0:18:42 > 0:18:46The man invites the sheriffs in to discuss the situation.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49Pete wastes no time in explaining what he's done
0:18:49 > 0:18:51and what it means for the company's planes.
0:18:51 > 0:18:57As you know, as soon as I remove the worthiness certificate, they become scrap value.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01With well over £100,000 of aircraft now seized,
0:19:01 > 0:19:06it's perfect leverage for Pete and a big problem for the manager.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09He asks to make a phone call to let his boss, the owner,
0:19:09 > 0:19:14know his prized fleet of planes are now the property of court.
0:19:15 > 0:19:1920 minutes later, Pete and Dave Lockwood emerge,
0:19:19 > 0:19:24having secured a promise from the owner to pay the full amount owed to Steve Halliwell.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26But until the debt is settled,
0:19:26 > 0:19:31three of Aircraft Grouping's planes will remain seized and grounded,
0:19:31 > 0:19:35with the crucial aircraft documents coming with them as insurance.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38It should be PLANE sailing from here onwards for Pete.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41We've left the registration documents in the planes
0:19:41 > 0:19:45and removed the maintenance documents, insurance documents
0:19:45 > 0:19:50and the worthiness-of-flying documents, as well, which we'll send down to the office.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52I think, ideally, what he's saying is,
0:19:52 > 0:19:55it'll be paid within the next five days in full,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58so that's what he's looking to do.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01It's been a first-class piece of work from Pete.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04With the aircraft paperwork now in his hands,
0:20:04 > 0:20:08he'll either get Steve Halliwell his money or he'll get the planes themselves,
0:20:08 > 0:20:12with a view to selling them to pay off the debt, if necessary.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Chocks away.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23It's early in the morning
0:20:23 > 0:20:28and Lawrence Grix and Kev McNally are heading out into the sticks
0:20:28 > 0:20:30for their first job of the day.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Quarter to seven in the morning, erm,
0:20:34 > 0:20:38and we're just coming into a little place called Bramley, in Hampshire.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42It's a residential address, quite a nice one by all accounts,
0:20:42 > 0:20:44and we're looking for a David Johnson.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48We've got Mr David Johnson trading as Premier Youngstock.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51He's some kind of horse dealer, I believe.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54The latest person the sheriffs are trying to help
0:20:54 > 0:20:59is aspiring horse-breeder Anastasia Gill from Surrey.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Anastasia trained as a lawyer
0:21:02 > 0:21:07before deciding to follow her dream of turning a life-long hobby into a career.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11I've loved horses all my life and have ridden since I was a child.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15I don't sell every horse I create because I fall in love with them.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20You sometimes have to separate the passion and the job.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22It's hard.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28When Anastasia purchased a horse jointly with a fellow breeder called David Johnson,
0:21:28 > 0:21:33it was meant to be the first stage of a new and lucrative partnership.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35But instead, she was left out of pocket
0:21:35 > 0:21:39and relying on the sheriffs for justice.
0:21:46 > 0:21:52Anastasia got to know David Johnson when she kept a number of her own horses at his stables.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54This working relationship grew over several years,
0:21:54 > 0:22:00to the point where they decided to buy a horse together and share its breeding rights.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Today, she's preparing to ride a friend's horse at a local stables.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08But two years ago, Anastasia and Mr Johnson's search for a breeding horse
0:22:08 > 0:22:10took them to a stable in Germany,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13where they saw a mare that was perfect.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16We found Ruby and decided that she was the one,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18had a handshake and, er,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21about two, three weeks later, she's in the UK
0:22:21 > 0:22:25and we have ourselves a project.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29Together, they paid 6,000 euros - approximately £5,000 -
0:22:29 > 0:22:31for a horse called Ruby,
0:22:31 > 0:22:35and agreed they would have alternating breeding years with her.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37It was a simple arrangement
0:22:37 > 0:22:42which Anastasia hoped would prove very successful in the years ahead.
0:22:42 > 0:22:43And everything was going swimmingly
0:22:43 > 0:22:48until a minor dispute about one of the other horses David Johnson was keeping for her
0:22:48 > 0:22:51caused a rift between the two of them.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53It was to do with money.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56It was a very minor situation.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58Erm... It should've been a disagreement,
0:22:58 > 0:23:00which turned into a full-blown argument.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04I'd never seen this side of him before.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09I thought, "This is Jekyll and Hyde. I don't know this man. I can't trust this man."
0:23:09 > 0:23:12With relations between them having broken down,
0:23:12 > 0:23:17Anastasia decided their business partnership would have to come to an end.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21I removed all my horses from his property within a fortnight.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25However, I couldn't remove Ruby because it was his breeding year
0:23:25 > 0:23:27and I didn't have the right to.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30So she became a problem
0:23:30 > 0:23:33and I decided I didn't want to be part of this
0:23:33 > 0:23:35and I wanted the mare sold.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41Anastasia visited David Johnson to resolve the situation.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46He told her he wanted to keep Ruby and would buy her out of the joint ownership.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49He agreed to pay £1,000 for her share of the horse.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53I wasn't going to leave without having him sign a contract,
0:23:53 > 0:23:55so that was written up.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57Luckily, there and then, signed,
0:23:57 > 0:24:02and I left feeling quite confident that we were both going to be happy.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07But as months passed, no payment came through.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11After her numerous phone calls and emails to Mr Johnson went ignored,
0:24:11 > 0:24:16Anastasia decided to go back to his yard and confront him.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21However, David Johnson proved in a rather forgetful mood.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25He pretended to not know me and to not have ever seen me before
0:24:25 > 0:24:29and told me I was trespassing on the land and that he would call the police.
0:24:29 > 0:24:35Anastasia had no way of even finding out if Mr Johnson still had the horse,
0:24:35 > 0:24:39which, since he'd not paid her, she still jointly owned.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41I don't know if he's even still got her,
0:24:41 > 0:24:43he could have sold her for all I know
0:24:43 > 0:24:47because I am not allowed to go and check up on her.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52Anastasia realised taking legal action against Mr Johnson
0:24:52 > 0:24:55was the only avenue she had left.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00It ends up winding you up and you get stressed and angry about things.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03I think he just wanted to ignore me, you know,
0:25:03 > 0:25:08"Silly little blonde will just forget about me or give up on me."
0:25:08 > 0:25:09That wasn't going to happen.
0:25:09 > 0:25:14When the case went to court, Mr Johnson failed to contest it
0:25:14 > 0:25:19and a judge ordered him to pay Anastasia £1,150.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22But since then, he's ignored the court's ruling
0:25:22 > 0:25:24and failed to settle the debt.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Anastasia's last hope of seeing her money
0:25:30 > 0:25:32now rests with the well-honed persuasive powers
0:25:32 > 0:25:35of Lawrence and Kev.
0:25:35 > 0:25:36It's a residential address.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Hopefully, at this time of day, we'll catch him in
0:25:39 > 0:25:45and maybe he'll have a car, or something like that, that we can seize to force payment.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Lawrence is ready to use all his negotiation skills
0:25:48 > 0:25:52to convince Mr Johnson he needs to pay up.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56I reckon it's that one on the end. That looks more like a...
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- No, it's this geezer, isn't it? - It might be.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02Locating the house, they park up and head in.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04And early signs are looking good.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06The windows are all open.
0:26:07 > 0:26:12- That light did just come on, didn't it? Or was it on already? - I couldn't see from where I was.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20They're in. There's a light come on.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24The TV's on standby and the windows are all open.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27Lawrence and Kev can see activity inside,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30but no-one seems to want to talk to them.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Nobody up at the windows, no?
0:26:33 > 0:26:36No, nothing as yet.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39- Oh, here we go.- There's movement.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Somebody's just gone into the kitchen.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44And a dog.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Oh, no. It's your turn to get bitten.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50There's someone here.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Someone comes to the door,
0:26:52 > 0:26:56but with our cameras in full view they're not keen on showing their faces.
0:26:56 > 0:27:02Lawrence has the unusual task of conducting a conversation across a closed front door.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06Hello. I'm looking for a David Johnson.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08I'll show you some ID, sir.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12I'm an enforcement officer. I'm here to execute a High Court writ.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15We're here today to...
0:27:15 > 0:27:21to seize goods to the value of £1,882.63
0:27:21 > 0:27:23or collect payment in full.
0:27:23 > 0:27:29To Lawrence's surprise, Mr Johnson suggests Lawrence takes the horse to settle the debt.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Unfortunately, sir, it's gone beyond that.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33We're here to seize your goods, not hers.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36If she's got a horse with you,
0:27:36 > 0:27:39we can't take that because it belongs to her.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42We're here to seize your goods or collect payment in full.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44We've got your car blocked in.
0:27:44 > 0:27:49We're looking to take the car and trailer at this point in time if we don't collect payment in full.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53Seeming to want to show his lack of concern at the sheriffs' presence,
0:27:53 > 0:27:55Mr Johnson then suggests
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Lawrence and Kev help themselves to his car.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04But as enticing an offer as this is, Lawrence would rather get hard cash
0:28:04 > 0:28:07than go through the hassle of removing an old Volvo.
0:28:07 > 0:28:12What I can say to you is, the money's held for 14 days. It's not dispersed.
0:28:12 > 0:28:18So if there's something that you or your solicitor has got to do, with regards to the claimant...
0:28:18 > 0:28:21Finally, ready to discuss the issue face-to-face,
0:28:21 > 0:28:23Mr Johnson invites Lawrence and Kev inside,
0:28:23 > 0:28:28although the invite doesn't extend to our camera.
0:28:28 > 0:28:33Once inside, Mr Johnson comes out with something totally unexpected.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36He admits he should've paid the debt earlier
0:28:36 > 0:28:41and says he's more than happy to settle it here and now - no fuss, no bother.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Lawrence is only too pleased to accept.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51Kev jumps at the chance of fetching the card machine.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54A quick card transaction later, a photo for the files,
0:28:54 > 0:28:58and it's job done for Lawrence and Kev -
0:28:58 > 0:29:01a paid-in-full in less than 12 minutes.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04- See how easy this job is! - HE LAUGHS
0:29:04 > 0:29:07Love those starts to the morning. Bosh! Get in!
0:29:07 > 0:29:11Lawrence is understandably delighted.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15Literally, we just went in there and, er,
0:29:15 > 0:29:17he pulled out a card and paid us.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19Absolutely simple as.
0:29:19 > 0:29:24Very, very rarely do you get them as simple as that.
0:29:24 > 0:29:29Whatever Mr Johnson's reasons, it's a great start to the day for Lawrence
0:29:29 > 0:29:31and an even better one for Anastasia,
0:29:31 > 0:29:34who finally has the money she was rightfully owed.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Her nightmare with the mare is over.
0:29:37 > 0:29:43The news is that all my money - plus interest - has been recovered, which is fantastic news.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47It was more about the principle than the money, if I'm honest with you.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49I wanted to know that the horse was OK
0:29:49 > 0:29:54and I have since found a person who knows both of us
0:29:54 > 0:29:56to report to me that the mare is fine.
0:29:56 > 0:30:01Everyone should know that the sheriffs exist and do this job fantastically well.
0:30:02 > 0:30:03David Johnson told us that...
0:30:11 > 0:30:15However, he said that when subsequently scanned by a vet,
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Ruby hadn't been in foal at that time,
0:30:18 > 0:30:20hence, he hadn't paid Anastasia.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28..but reiterated he paid in full
0:30:28 > 0:30:30when the sheriffs visited.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39The issue of who owns what
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- is one that sheriffs have to deal with all the time. - It's not in his name.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48It doesn't matter who they're registered to, it's who owns them. Why are they on your forecourt, then?
0:30:48 > 0:30:52They can only seize what belongs to whoever's named on the writ.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56Unsurprisingly, debtors aren't the most co-operative people
0:30:56 > 0:30:58when it comes to helping establish ownership.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02- They're still assets, belonging to the company.- There isn't any assets.
0:31:03 > 0:31:09With that in mind, sheriffs Darryl Oreton and Mark Povey are in the Midlands,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12on their way to their latest enforcement.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16This is an employment tribunal.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19A gentleman's been unfairly dismissed
0:31:19 > 0:31:22and he's taken the company to court.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25Darryl's going in with a positive approach,
0:31:25 > 0:31:29but this is a far-from-straightforward case, with no guarantee of success.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31The company in question,
0:31:31 > 0:31:35Level 1 Lincoln Ltd, is a security company,
0:31:35 > 0:31:40providing doormen and security staff to venues and events.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44Given the world they operate in, Darryl doesn't know what to expect when he gets there.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48It may just be minimal, minimal assets of no value.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52Until we get there, we're not going to realise that.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02Keen to find out exactly what is there,
0:32:02 > 0:32:05they park up and head in.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07DOOR BUZZES
0:32:07 > 0:32:10That's for your own security.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17- Hello there.- Hello.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22- Enforcement officers.- OK. - Is it you I need to speak to?
0:32:22 > 0:32:26- What's it about? - I've got a High Court writ to execute against Level 1
0:32:26 > 0:32:29on behalf of Mr A Cubbitson.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- Mr who, sorry?- It's an employment tribunal case.- Oh, right.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35We've got a High Court writ, as I said.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39I'm here to collect £8,900.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42At this point, we're asked to stop filming.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49The office staff, in the meantime, get in touch with boss Darren Maul,
0:32:49 > 0:32:51who agrees to come down.
0:32:54 > 0:32:5815 minutes later Mr Maul arrives in his BMW,
0:32:58 > 0:33:02ready for a one-on-one face-off with Darryl.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05All right there, sir?
0:33:06 > 0:33:11The Clash of the Titans continues behind closed doors.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17There's my ID. Enforcement officer.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20We've got a High Court writ against yourselves, Level 1,
0:33:20 > 0:33:22on behalf of Mr A Cubbitson.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25It's an employment tribunal, isn't it?
0:33:25 > 0:33:29They've sent us out for full payment or to seize goods to the value of.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31Mr Maul says that the office came furnished
0:33:31 > 0:33:36and everything inside belongs not to the company but to the landlord,
0:33:36 > 0:33:39which happens to be him.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43- Darryl asks for proof. - I can't just take your word for that.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47If you get me a receipt for that table and those six chairs, obviously we'd leave it.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49Legally, it will go
0:33:49 > 0:33:53unless you have got proof there to show us.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55You've got an hour to provide it.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59If it's not provided, third-party contractors are on standby for removal.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06Moments later, Darryl comes outside to fill us in.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08He's refusing to pay,
0:34:08 > 0:34:11saying everything is owned by him, nothing to do with the company.
0:34:11 > 0:34:16I'm going to ring the office now and find out what they want to do.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20He's saying, you know, "If you want to get your vans down and do a removal,
0:34:20 > 0:34:22"then go for it."
0:34:22 > 0:34:25I just want to know how far I can really push this.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30Darryl and the office agree they must follow procedure
0:34:30 > 0:34:32and issue a notice of seizure
0:34:32 > 0:34:34as the first step in this enforcement.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38What assets are in the office will be the court's on paper,
0:34:38 > 0:34:40but they'll stay on the premises for now.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43Darryl suspects what assets there are
0:34:43 > 0:34:46might not be worth the value of the debt anyway.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50Darryl informs Mr Maul of the decision.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55These are our contact details, either email or post.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59Obviously, if we don't get the proof, we're going to be back. There's going to be more charges on.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01It's a disappointing end for Darryl,
0:35:01 > 0:35:05but there's still a chance they can get a result down the line.
0:35:05 > 0:35:10The office are prepared to give him chance to provide proof of ownership for all the goods in there.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14Although I believe they are owned by the company...
0:35:14 > 0:35:17He's got five days. He's not going to pay it.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19I'm sure we'll be back.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24As Darryl predicted, despite the seizure notice,
0:35:24 > 0:35:26no money was paid.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30So 13 weeks later it was time for Round Two,
0:35:30 > 0:35:33as he and Mark went back to Level 1 Lincoln Ltd
0:35:33 > 0:35:36to remove the goods they'd listed.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41It's a case of deja vu for both the sheriffs and our camera.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44I need to speak someone.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50Mr Maul isn't there and we're asked to leave.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Nothing's been resolved from when we came out last time.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58We gave you five days to provide evidence.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02Darryl's given the news that all sheriffs dread -
0:36:02 > 0:36:09an invoice document proves all the goods do indeed belong, on paper, to Mr Maul personally.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13Even worse, he's told the company that they're after has stopped trading
0:36:13 > 0:36:16and a new one set up, with Darren Maul as its director,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19which is now based in the same office.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23So, what are we saying this is now?
0:36:24 > 0:36:27They were looking for Level 1 Lincoln Ltd.
0:36:27 > 0:36:33They found Level 1 Group Lincoln Ltd, a different company.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37Unfortunately, this enforcement is now dead in the water
0:36:37 > 0:36:40because as Level 1 Group Lincoln is a different company,
0:36:40 > 0:36:44it has no connection to Level 1 Lincoln's debts.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47It's exactly the outcome Darryl didn't want.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51All the documentation there is Level 1 Group,
0:36:51 > 0:36:53which no-one bothered to tell us
0:36:53 > 0:36:57till we'd been in there for 45 minutes!
0:36:58 > 0:37:01We're after Level 1 Lincoln Ltd,
0:37:01 > 0:37:03so this ain't going nowhere.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05Companies being wound up
0:37:05 > 0:37:10while new companies are set up in the same premises with almost identical names
0:37:10 > 0:37:13is something the sheriffs encounter all too frequently.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16Millions of pounds of debts every year are written off
0:37:16 > 0:37:20as companies cease trading, go into liquidation or are dissolved,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23with Level 1 Lincoln being another such case.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25For the sheriffs, it's frustrating,
0:37:25 > 0:37:31but however much they want to get their client's money, they must always obey the law.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41Today, sheriffs Lawrence and Kev are heading north to Bedfordshire
0:37:41 > 0:37:46for a showdown with one of the largest adversaries they've ever faced.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48We're heading for Luton Airport
0:37:48 > 0:37:52because we've got a writ against easyJet Airline Company Ltd,
0:37:52 > 0:37:54a subsidiary of easyJet Plc.
0:37:57 > 0:38:03They're attending on behalf of someone owed £1,283 by easyJet.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08Small change for a company that made nearly £250 million profit last year,
0:38:08 > 0:38:12but also a debt that hasn't been paid, as ordered.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16Now Lawrence and Kev are going to remind them...
0:38:17 > 0:38:19..in person.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24The address we've got is Hanger 89, Luton Airport.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26It is the registered address of the company,
0:38:26 > 0:38:31so hopefully, it won't just be an aircraft hangar, there will be offices there.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34They're determined to get the person's money today
0:38:34 > 0:38:37and will be seizing any assets they can find as leverage,
0:38:37 > 0:38:41whether it's office goods or an airliner.
0:38:41 > 0:38:46But the first challenge is finding where they need to go.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- I'm here.- Are we? - What hangar are we after?
0:38:49 > 0:38:54- Hangar 89.- 89? We're at nine. - We're miles away.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57See the two bits sticking out - the pointy bit and the flat bit?
0:38:57 > 0:39:01There was easyJet planes out the back of there.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- There's a jet.- Right! Right! - Why right?
0:39:04 > 0:39:09- Just turn right. - I think you're wrong.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11easyJet...
0:39:11 > 0:39:13Oh, yes. Gotcha.
0:39:13 > 0:39:18Finally, they find an easyJet sign and an office.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Where am I going to park?
0:39:21 > 0:39:23I'll make my own space here.
0:39:26 > 0:39:32Morning. We're looking for easyJet Airline Company Ltd, Hangar 89.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35But the staff inside tell them this isn't the right place.
0:39:35 > 0:39:40Instead, they've stumbled upon the easyJet Cabin Crew Training Centre.
0:39:40 > 0:39:46Luckily, the receptionist is able to point Lawrence and Kev in the right direction.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50- Do you know where you're going now? - Yes.- Are you sure?
0:39:50 > 0:39:53I'm going the way I thought in the first place.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56I told you to turn left out of that junction!
0:39:56 > 0:39:59Lawrence looks to make up for Kev's mistakes.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02She said go right up to the terminal building
0:40:02 > 0:40:05and you've got the orange sign with easyJet on the roof.
0:40:05 > 0:40:10- Ha! You can't miss that, can you? - Do you mean that?!- In here.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13With the imposing easyJet HQ located,
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Kev uses the intercom to let security know they've arrived.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19What do I say here?
0:40:19 > 0:40:21Just say we're enforcement officers. We...
0:40:21 > 0:40:25- 'Hello?'- Hi there. We're High Court enforcement officers.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28We need to see someone from easyJet.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Bosh!
0:40:32 > 0:40:35It's checkin time at easyJet.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39Hi there. My name's Mr Grix. I'm an enforcement officer.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42I've got a High Court writ to execute against easyJet Airline Company Ltd.
0:40:42 > 0:40:47- Oh, OK.- I need to speak to somebody who can deal with, er, with that.
0:40:47 > 0:40:52A public relations officer appears at reception to speak to Lawrence.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- Hi, gents. Can I help you at all? - Hi there.- Hello.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59- Would you mind turning that off? - We're asked to leave,
0:40:59 > 0:41:03as she explains someone from accounts is coming down to discuss the debt with them.
0:41:03 > 0:41:08We continue filming from outside, as Lawrence and Kev crank up the pressure.
0:41:08 > 0:41:13We're ordered today to seize goods and potentially remove them to sell at auction.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17- We did seize an aircraft last week somewhere else.- A jet.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21But today, Lawrence and Kev's presence alone is enough
0:41:21 > 0:41:25and easyJet's planes can sleep easy.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28Three quarters of an hour later, we pick up the action with Lawrence
0:41:28 > 0:41:31who, having collected the full amount owed,
0:41:31 > 0:41:33is a very satisfied sheriff.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36Unsurprisingly, it was paid in full.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40They did a bank transfer.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42We asked them to bring a screen-grab down,
0:41:42 > 0:41:45I checked the bank account and it was in
0:41:45 > 0:41:49before the guy even reappeared with the screen print, so...
0:41:50 > 0:41:52..all done, yeah.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54EasyJet told us...
0:42:03 > 0:42:06Since Pete visited Blackpool Airport and grounded three planes
0:42:06 > 0:42:09belonging to Aircraft Grouping Ltd,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11the debtor contacted the sheriffs
0:42:11 > 0:42:16and offered to pay off the £6,000 debt owed to Steve Halliwell
0:42:16 > 0:42:18in two payments over two months.
0:42:18 > 0:42:24However, Steve rejected this offer, wanting his money sooner and in full.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27If Aircraft Grouping Ltd don't agree to this,
0:42:27 > 0:42:29the sheriffs will re-attend
0:42:29 > 0:42:31with a view to removing the aircraft.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35Earlier, we saw sheriffs Marc and Tony
0:42:35 > 0:42:39visit the home of Smart Power director Rupert Sweet-Escott.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43On the day, he paid the sheriffs £3,000
0:42:43 > 0:42:47towards the £11,280 he owed Graham Short
0:42:47 > 0:42:49for his ineffective wind turbines.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Since then, he's been back in touch with the sheriffs
0:42:52 > 0:42:56and agreed to pay the remainder of the balance in full.