0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Meet the Sheriffs. - We'll introduce ourselves.
0:00:04 > 0:00:08- I'm a High Court Enforcement Officer.- We're here to execute a High Court writ.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11They're the men whose job it is to get you your money back.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13It's an arrestable offence to stop me doing my job.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16If you've been ripped off and don't know where to turn...
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- I'm not waiting.- I'm ordered to seize goods to clear this debt,
0:00:19 > 0:00:21which would mean clearing this place out.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25..if you've been to court but still not been paid what you're owed.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- Why don't you tell me who you are? - This is an absolute crock. You need to pay this.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32The High Court Enforcement Officers are charged by law to recover
0:00:32 > 0:00:35what a court says is rightfully yours.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37I've seized your car, sir.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40- You can have a letter through the door, or we'll go through the window.- Whoa, whoa, whoa!
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- It's time to call the Sheriffs. - Collected 42 grand.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Coming up: Kath Parton was promised a new driveway,
0:00:50 > 0:00:53but she was left with a pile of bricks.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57It is rubbish. My savings have all deteriorated because of it.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Can the Sheriffs get her her money back?
0:01:02 > 0:01:05It'll be a case of seizing the vehicles, whatever we can.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09Internet whizz Paul Keene carried out work for this leafleting company,
0:01:09 > 0:01:14but never received £3,500 of wages he was due.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17The whole experience has been a constant annoyance,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20it's been a thorn in my side, it's something I want to get rid of.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22The Sheriffs go in search of his money.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27The only way to prevent further action today is to pay in full.
0:01:28 > 0:01:33And the Sheriffs get more than they bargained for at a North London car dealer.
0:01:33 > 0:01:38You need to get him on the phone, cos if this isn't paid, we're going to remove several of your vehicles.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46The Sheriffs collect 93p for every pound they're asked to enforce.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48But despite this high ratio of success,
0:01:48 > 0:01:50life isn't always easy for them.
0:01:52 > 0:01:58On their way to get justice for someone else are Sheriffs Darryl Oreton and Mark Povey.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03We're off to Bridgnorth now to try and find a Mr Julian Clifford Milner.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Mr Milner's a builder who owes a large debt to a lady he did some work for,
0:02:09 > 0:02:15and Darryl has reason to believe it might not be a straightforward visit this morning.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17It's a residential address.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21We have reasons to believe he may not be living there.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24The post has been returned, has gone away,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26but that could all just be to throw us off the scent,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30so we're going to go there now, and hopefully he'll be there.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33If he isn't there, we'll find out if he is living there,
0:02:33 > 0:02:39see what assets are around and seize whatever we can.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43The person they're on their way to help is Kath Parton.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49Two years ago, she decided to have a new block-paved driveway built.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53She didn't know it at the time, but it was a decision that would see her
0:02:53 > 0:02:58thousands of pounds out of pocket and having to go through the courts to try and get it back.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03He said he'd do me a better drive than he did the one next door - far better.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Ha-ha! That's the biggest joke in the world.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19Kath first came across builder Julian Milner when he was working on the house next door.
0:03:20 > 0:03:26I thought he was a very decent man. I thought he was reasonable, and that he was an honest man.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Mr Milner quoted Kath £4,600 to do her driveway
0:03:30 > 0:03:35and build a double brick boundary wall around the edge of the house.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39He said he'd have it done in no time.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Yes, I was over the moon. I was telling the neighbours
0:03:42 > 0:03:46I was going to have it done in two to three weeks' time, yes.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51Thinking she was onto a winner, Kath paid Mr Milner up front from her life savings.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54It was a decision she came to regret.
0:03:54 > 0:03:59Within a few weeks of starting the job, Mr Milner's attendance had become sporadic.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04And for Kath, worse was to come. While she waited for Mr Milner to finish,
0:04:04 > 0:04:09she suffered a car accident, leaving her with her arms and legs broken.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14She's still in constant pain and her mobility's severely restricted.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18Now unable to drive, the driveway became even more important
0:04:18 > 0:04:24to give her easy access for the mobility scooter that's now her lifeline.
0:04:24 > 0:04:30But instead of aiding her recovery, three months after starting the job Mr Milner walked off site,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33the driveway still unfinished and the wall barely started.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39That is the wall that he laid. It's a disgrace. You can just shove them.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Look at this, how easy it is to lift a brick out.
0:04:43 > 0:04:50This will not last very much longer. It is rubbish. What a bloody mess!
0:04:50 > 0:04:55It wasn't just Kath that thought so. With Mr Milner refusing to answer her calls,
0:04:55 > 0:05:00Kath decided to pay for an independent surveyor to look at the work he'd done.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05His conclusion was it was all substandard.
0:05:05 > 0:05:10Even the concrete he'd laid for the foundation of the wall was substandard.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12It needed taking up and redoing.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17That was enough for me to know that he hadn't done the work properly.
0:05:17 > 0:05:23The surveyor estimated it would cost over £12,000 to rectify the work to a proper standard.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26Kath wrote to Mr Milner demanding a refund.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29He offered to finish the work himself,
0:05:29 > 0:05:32but by this stage, Kath had had more than enough of him.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36No. No, I didn't want him back here to do the work.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38No, I wanted my money back.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45Kath decided to start court proceedings against him to get her money back.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49Mr Milner responded in writing, admitting to problems with the job
0:05:49 > 0:05:54and offering a one-off £4,000 payment in response.
0:05:54 > 0:06:01But by now, Kath needed more than that to cover her legal costs and rebuild the drive.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05Had to use all my savings completely to pay for all the legal fees,
0:06:05 > 0:06:11all the legal courts, everything. I've had to use it all up, so I'm not able to put the drive right.
0:06:12 > 0:06:19The judge agreed with Kath, awarding her the full amount she was after, plus her court costs.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24But despite her victory, Kath's still not received any payment from Mr Milner.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27My savings have all deteriorated because of it.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34I've got nothing at the back of me now for the latter part of my years,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36or whatever's left of my life.
0:06:36 > 0:06:42Determined not to give up, Kath's only hope now rests with the Sheriffs.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49With her hopes on their shoulders, Darryl and Mark arrive at Mr Milner's home.
0:06:49 > 0:06:56They've only got one thing on their minds - getting her back the money she so desperately needs.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00They use their van to block in the expensive-looking vehicles on the drive
0:07:00 > 0:07:04in case they need to seize them, before heading for the door.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06DOG BARKS
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Early signs at the house, however, are not looking good.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14There's no-one answering the door...
0:07:17 > 0:07:20..so Darryl goes round the back.
0:07:20 > 0:07:25Sheriffs are legally allowed to enter residential properties through unlocked doors or windows,
0:07:25 > 0:07:29and with the side gate unlocked, Darryl's straight into the back garden.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35The only thing home, however, seems to be canine.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39DOG BARKS Don't know. Like a chocolatey Labrador thing.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47All the doors are locked around there. There's a dog inside. No sign of life.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56Darryl gives the house one more knock,
0:07:56 > 0:07:57but it's not looking hopeful.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03There's a lot of cobwebs on this.
0:08:03 > 0:08:04Darryl tries the neighbours.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09Excuse me, sir. Hi, there.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12I was trying to get hold of Mr Milner.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- No idea.- He's not on holiday or anything?
0:08:15 > 0:08:17But they can't help.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22With no-one to talk to, all the Sheriffs can do is size up what assets are on site.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27Luckily, there's no shortage of expensive cars or other goods.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Just go around the back and just see whatever goods are in the back garden,
0:08:30 > 0:08:32barbeques or table and chairs or something.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34DOG BARKS
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Got no phone numbers.
0:08:38 > 0:08:44It may just be a case of seizing the vehicles, whatever we can, and leaving the paperwork.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46With full access to the garden,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49there are plenty of assets for Mark to get listing.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52The dog's not happy about the Sheriffs being on site,
0:08:52 > 0:08:56but being locked inside, he is at least off their seizure list.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59Other wildlife, however, aren't so lucky.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Koi carp in there, as well.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05Darryl's seizure is, however, drawing to a close.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08They deliver a walking possession through the letterbox.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12What they've listed is now the court's, on paper at least.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Darryl and Mark are hoping they won't be unsuccessful for Kath,
0:09:15 > 0:09:20but with no-one home, they're forced, today at least, to call a halt.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24There's not much more we can do. There's no-one here, neighbours have no information.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28So, we've seized the vehicles, what we can, around the back,
0:09:28 > 0:09:33left them some paperwork, so hopefully they'll respond,
0:09:33 > 0:09:37give me a phone call and see what they can do about paying it off.
0:09:37 > 0:09:43But Darryl's not entirely disheartened, and is still hopeful of a good result for Kath.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48Although we didn't make contact, it was actually a better result than I was expecting.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51There's a dog inside, and cats inside,
0:09:51 > 0:09:56chickens in the back garden. There's definitely someone here looking after these animals.
0:09:56 > 0:10:02There's four cars. There's a whole family living here, so we'll be in touch with him today, definitely.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05And indeed, Darryl's faith is well placed.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10With the weight of a High Court writ behind them, sometimes just the Sheriffs' paperwork alone
0:10:10 > 0:10:14is enough to get a result on behalf of their clients.
0:10:14 > 0:10:20Some days after their visit, Mr Milner agreed to enter into a court-appointed payment plan.
0:10:20 > 0:10:26Kath has already received the first contribution, and is understandably delighted.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Altogether it's been a beautiful day.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33He's got to pay every month otherwise the Enforcement Officers will be back down on him
0:10:33 > 0:10:37and they will take goods and everything else
0:10:37 > 0:10:39to cover the cost of that monthly payment,
0:10:39 > 0:10:43so whether he likes it or not, he's in trouble.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47I feel not only have I been vindicated,
0:10:47 > 0:10:52I can really jump for joy to know I was right.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Over nine million cars change hands every year.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09I like these. They are proper juicy, aren't they?
0:11:09 > 0:11:12And last year, the Office Of Fair Trading
0:11:12 > 0:11:16received over 60,000 complaints from people about used cars.
0:11:17 > 0:11:22It's perhaps no surprise, therefore, that of all the businesses that the Sheriffs visit,
0:11:22 > 0:11:25there's one industry that they deal with more than most.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Just clamp it. Clamp it. Clamp it.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Car dealers.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32It's about a High Court writ that's been issued.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39And this morning, Sheriffs Lawrence Grix and Kev McNally are on the trail of just such a case.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42We are on our way to Greenford at the moment.
0:11:42 > 0:11:48They're heading west for a face-off with a Middlesex car dealership called Stylish Motors,
0:11:48 > 0:11:53on behalf of Destiny Kedwell - someone who found the garage didn't measure up to its name.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Apparently they took her car in part exchange,
0:11:56 > 0:12:01and then the car they sold her blew up or something like that.
0:12:02 > 0:12:08Destiny bought an Audi TT from the garage for just over £3,200,
0:12:08 > 0:12:12but found numerous faults with it, which she had to pay to fix.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16Eventually, she rejected the vehicle and demanded her money back,
0:12:16 > 0:12:21but couldn't come to an agreement with the garage, so the matter went to court.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24When Stylish Motors failed to contest the case,
0:12:24 > 0:12:30a judgment ordered the company to pay Destiny £4,900 in compensation.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35So far, the garage has failed to pay a penny.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39But today, Lawrence fancies his chances of getting her money back.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43Hopefully, being a car dealership, we'll find some cars there,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45and we might have a bit of luck on this one.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53The garage is open and its forecourt full.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Hello.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00You work here, do you? I'll show you some ID. My name's Mr Grix.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05I'm an Enforcement Officer. I'm here today to execute a High Court writ against Stylish Motors.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07You need to get him on the phone, because we're here
0:13:07 > 0:13:10to seize goods, and we will be removing cars from the forecourt
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- to clear this debt. - Can you get him on the phone?
0:13:14 > 0:13:20The man's struggling to get hold of his boss, who he says is out of London.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24Does his phone not work outside of London?
0:13:24 > 0:13:26But does his phone not work outside London?
0:13:26 > 0:13:30Perhaps you need to phone him back and tell him the cars will be going off his forecourt.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33He might be a bit quicker to call you back, then.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Have you got the keys for these vehicles?
0:13:36 > 0:13:37Are they in the office?
0:13:37 > 0:13:41Can you grab them for us, or open up the office, as well?
0:13:43 > 0:13:47While the man left holding the fort is proving very helpful...
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Have you got the facility to pay on his behalf?
0:13:50 > 0:13:55..he explains he has no means of settling the debt they've come to collect.
0:13:55 > 0:14:01You need to get him on the phone, cos if this isn't paid, we're going to remove several of your vehicles.
0:14:01 > 0:14:06With a garage full of cars to choose from, the Sheriffs are in their element.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11It's just a case of choosing which ones to take and sell to pay Destiny Kedwell's debt.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13Is there a BMW out there, is there?
0:14:16 > 0:14:22- Can you see a BMW out there, Kevin? - BMW? There's one there. Is that a BM?- Oh, yeah.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27No. It don't seem to be doing that one.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- Range Rover Vogue? That would cover it.- I can't see one.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36No, neither can I. We'll find it. Where's the Range Rover?
0:14:37 > 0:14:40But Lawrence and Kev soon start to realise
0:14:40 > 0:14:45that some of the most expensive vehicles they have the keys to are not on the forecourt.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48These are the ones worth having, clearly.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52You've got Mercedes key rings, BMW key rings, Range Rover. Where are all these cars?
0:14:55 > 0:14:58And were is the other yard?
0:14:58 > 0:15:01It's too far, is it? We decide what's too far.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06Finally, the salesman succeeds in getting through to someone.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10The owner's still off radar but his garage manager wants to talk to Lawrence,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13who's more than happy to fill her in on what's happening.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18We've got access to all the keys. We're just going through the documentation for the vehicles now.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22So, we're looking to remove sufficient vehicles.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25The manager says the vehicles can't be seized
0:15:25 > 0:15:31as they are all being sold on behalf of customers and so, conveniently, don't belong to Stylish Motors.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34It doesn't matter who they are registered to.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36It's who they are owned by.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38So why are they on your forecourt, then?
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Lawrence doesn't believe he's being told the truth.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45He wants to see who these vehicles are registered to.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Documentation for the BMW?
0:15:48 > 0:15:52It's left to the unlucky sales assistant to find the paperwork and answer his questions.
0:15:52 > 0:15:57The lady said these are all customers' cars. That's what she told me on the phone.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02So, you're selling that BMW on behalf of Lothian and Borders Police, are you? I think not.
0:16:02 > 0:16:08I don't think they are going to trek down to a little car dealer's in Greenford, somehow.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11What Lawrence thinks is these cars are all owned by the garage,
0:16:11 > 0:16:16they've just failed to send off the vehicle paperwork after buying them.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Having seen and heard enough, he gets on the phone to alert the office
0:16:19 > 0:16:22they're likely to need a tow truck.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Can you get us indemnity to remove a couple of cars, please?
0:16:25 > 0:16:29All we've got here is a salesman who doesn't know anything, can't pay anything.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37With a garage full of cars to choose from, the Sheriffs are in their element.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42We had the keys for that silver Mazda, didn't we? What's behind that?
0:16:42 > 0:16:45Have you got the documentation for that, the blue Micra?
0:16:45 > 0:16:50It's just a case of choosing which ones to take and sell to pay off what Destiny's owed.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- Honda Civic, green. No.- That brace of BMWs looks quite good, doesn't it?
0:16:55 > 0:16:59The grey ones next to the silver one. So, we'll have the silver Mazda and we'll have the BMW,
0:16:59 > 0:17:01and we've got the keys to move the blue Micra out the way.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06- The rest of it can go back, mate. That's it.- I don't know what order they were.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13With three of their vehicles standing to be removed,
0:17:13 > 0:17:16the salesman decides to make another phone call.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20This time he's managed to get straight through to the owner
0:17:20 > 0:17:25and breaks the news there's two impatient Sheriffs with their hands on his car keys.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30It's crunch time. Can Lawrence persuade him to pay up?
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Because it's gone to court, sir. There is judgement against you.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36There is now execution costs on it, there is interest going on it on a daily rate.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40There's our fees for coming out today, and there's VAT.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Right, so you're saying you haven't got the money to pay it.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46We're sent out to remove goods, and that's what we're here for today.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50The only way you can prevent that is to pay in full. So, no part payments or anything like that.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52It's got to be paid in full.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Right. It needs to be done by immediate payment, sir.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58We cannot leave until that money hits our bank account.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02OK, do you want me to hand the phone back to him? No, he's gone. Right.
0:18:02 > 0:18:08The owner says he'll try to pay the money Destiny's owed by bank transfer.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12He also explains why he's not there to deal with the matter in person.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Apparently the boss is out in Egypt on honeymoon.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Right. You said he was outside of London.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- Well, Egypt's is outside London, Kev. - It is that. I don't know if I'd describe it...
0:18:21 > 0:18:25Don't be splitting hairs. We're both bald, we haven't got any to split.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28Lawrence supplies the salesman with their account details
0:18:28 > 0:18:31to pass on to his honeymooning boss.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33He also gives him some free sales advice.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Do you want to answer that? It might be a customer.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41They might want to buy one of your cars for ten grand, then you can just pay me.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45Lawrence and Kev wait to see if the payment comes through.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Are you texting him the details, are you?
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Just make doubly sure you get it right, because if you get one digit wrong
0:18:51 > 0:18:55and it goes into the wrong bank account, we'll be taking the cars.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59A man arrives who seems familiar with both the business and the debt.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02He demands our camera leaves the premises.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04All right, Frankie.
0:19:04 > 0:19:1015 minutes later, Lawrence receives confirmation from the office that payment's been made, in full.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13OK, I'll issue a conditional receipt.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Well - almost, anyway.
0:19:15 > 0:19:1863p short, but I'm not going to argue over 63p. HE LAUGHS
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- Thank you very much.- Cheers, guys. - Bye-bye.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24It's been a textbook enforcement from Lawrence and Kev,
0:19:24 > 0:19:29and means Destiny will finally get her money, in full.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- Paid!- Hallelujah, eh?
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Today, Lawrence and Kev are heading for an Essex showdown
0:19:45 > 0:19:48with the owner of a leaflet distribution company
0:19:48 > 0:19:53who decided they'd rather not pay for work they'd had done for them.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Just coming into Loughton at the moment,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00we're going to a business address, but for an individual,
0:20:00 > 0:20:06a Miss Charlotte Walker. She's been sued by a gentleman.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11We're there to collect £5,197.15.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16It is an industrial unit, so hopefully at this time of day there will be somebody in there,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19so we'll at least be able to get entry and make contact with somebody.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25The man Lawrence and Kev are trying to help
0:20:25 > 0:20:29is search engine consultant and computer whizz, Paul Keene.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Paul runs his own small business
0:20:31 > 0:20:35specialising in a hi-tech form of internet marketing.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39SEO stands for search engine optimisation,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41it's the legal manipulation of a website
0:20:41 > 0:20:46to get higher up on the search engines, for example, Google, Yahoo and Bing.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51Paul's skills made him a man much in demand in this cutting-edge industry,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55but have also left him with an old-fashioned problem -
0:20:55 > 0:20:59being owed thousands of pounds and needing the Sheriffs' help
0:20:59 > 0:21:03after taking on a client he quickly came to regret.
0:21:03 > 0:21:04It was frustrating, it was an insult.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07The work's been done, a lot of hours have been put in,
0:21:07 > 0:21:11you've got the results for the client, and you expect to be paid.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23Paul's problems began when he was contacted by leafleting business Walkers Distributions.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28They wanted him to raise the business's profile on the internet.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34Yes, they seemed like a very decent company, and a company I could work with,
0:21:34 > 0:21:39being a smallish organisation, which we specialise in.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Making the company more prominent on the internet
0:21:43 > 0:21:47would give it a big advantage over its competitors in attracting new clients.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Walkers Distributions signed a 12-month contract,
0:21:51 > 0:21:54agreeing to pay monthly for Paul's services,
0:21:54 > 0:21:56and the project got under way.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00Initially when a campaign starts, more work is put in,
0:22:00 > 0:22:05to link-building, adding content, checking over the website.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08making sure there's no crawling errors or anything else.
0:22:08 > 0:22:14Doing all these things will push their website higher up the rankings.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17It can take any time between four to six months
0:22:17 > 0:22:20to see the positive benefits of this.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24Paul's small team worked hard putting in the hi-tech groundwork required
0:22:24 > 0:22:27to boost the company's online profile.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29But he soon realised all wasn't well
0:22:29 > 0:22:35when Walkers' first monthly payment was hundreds of pounds below what had been agreed.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38The second failed to arrive at all.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42They were talking about cash flow problems within the company.
0:22:42 > 0:22:48My answer was, you've just signed up a contract for £7,000 or £8,000 -
0:22:48 > 0:22:51didn't you know you had cash flow problems when you signed the contract?
0:22:51 > 0:22:54You shouldn't have done, if that was the case.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56A lot of alarm bells started ringing then.
0:22:56 > 0:23:03I became very suspicious of what they were doing and who they were, who I was dealing with.
0:23:03 > 0:23:09A lot of work had already been carried out, the link-building was under way,
0:23:09 > 0:23:11you know, it was a problem.
0:23:11 > 0:23:18As months passed, Paul continued to work on the Walkers campaign, which was starting to show results.
0:23:18 > 0:23:24But despite the company openly expanding and enjoying new-found prominence through the internet,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28they were still refusing to pay for the work as agreed.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Some months there was nothing, some months there were small amounts,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34you could never to speak to anyone in the company,
0:23:34 > 0:23:39there was no-one there in accounts, they wouldn't reveal a name of anyone. It was all very hush-hush.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43After the work we had done, they were now sitting on page one for everything,
0:23:43 > 0:23:47it's generated a lot of business for them, they've opened up a new distribution centre,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51yet they weren't paying the person that provided the extra business.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57Despite clear signs of the benefits his hard work had brought the company,
0:23:57 > 0:24:03six months later he was still constantly chasing the money he was rightfully owed.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Paul had reached the end of his tether.
0:24:06 > 0:24:11So, I received an e-mail, a very abrupt e-mail, from Walkers Distributions,
0:24:11 > 0:24:15saying, "We will pay you when we pay you. That's it, take it or leave it."
0:24:15 > 0:24:19We're a small business, we can't write off debts like that,
0:24:19 > 0:24:23especially for many thousands of pounds, and we have to pursue them.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27Paul's only option was to take Walkers Distributions' boss, Charlotte Walker,
0:24:27 > 0:24:29to court for the money he was owed.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31Charlotte Walker contested the case,
0:24:31 > 0:24:33but a judge sided with Paul,
0:24:33 > 0:24:40ordering her to pay him £3,572.80 within 14 days.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44But the company still failed to pay up.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47At this point, Paul sent for the Sheriffs.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51The whole experience, has been a constant annoyance, it's been a thorn in my side,
0:24:51 > 0:24:53and it's something I want to get rid of.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58It's like something on your shoe, and you want to scrape it off, basically.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Looking to get Paul the money he's owed,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Sheriffs Lawrence and Kev arrive at the business address.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Walkers Distribution, B2. B2, yeah.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11B2, Walkers Distribution, yeah.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15And take advantage of the company parking space.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Unit B2 parking only - well, that'll suit me.
0:25:21 > 0:25:26- Hello, there.- Hi, there. - I'm looking for Charlotte Walker.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29My name's Mr Grix. I'm an Enforcement Officer.
0:25:29 > 0:25:35I'm here today to execute a High Court writ against her. Are you able to get her on the phone at all?
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Erm, I don't know.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40As the staff member gets her boss on the phone,
0:25:40 > 0:25:43we're asked to leave the office.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45So, you can wait outside.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49Not wanting to waste any time, Lawrence asks to speak to Charlotte Walker directly.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Hello, my name's Mr Grix.
0:25:53 > 0:25:58We're ordered here today to seize goods to the value of £5,197.15
0:25:58 > 0:26:02with a view to removing them and selling them at auction to clear this debt.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06The only way to prevent further action is for you to pay in full.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Charlotte Walker says she's had no warning of the enforcement
0:26:10 > 0:26:15and has applied to the court to pay the money owed to Paul in monthly instalments.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18But Lawrence isn't in the mood for excuses.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22With respect, you can't say you haven't heard of it if you've applied to the court to make payments.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26You've obviously been to court at some stage and spoken to a judge,
0:26:26 > 0:26:28but you're telling me you didn't know anything about it.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Sending off forms to the court or applying for something at the court
0:26:32 > 0:26:35does not prevent execution of this writ.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Lawrence is holding the highest card in this dispute.
0:26:38 > 0:26:44His High Court writ trumps any other ongoing applications to do with this case.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46And he's just getting warmed up.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50The claimant is perfectly within their entitlement to transfer it up to the High Court
0:26:50 > 0:26:53for enforcement purposes. And that is the bottom line.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57The only way to prevent further action today is to pay in full.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03Then goods will be seized and potentially removed to be sold at auction to clear the debt.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05The defendant says it doesn't matter anyway,
0:27:05 > 0:27:08as none of the goods in the office belong to her,
0:27:08 > 0:27:12as she's no longer running the business as a sole trader.
0:27:12 > 0:27:17Instead, she's formed a new company, Walkers Distributions Ltd.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20The company that's trading is Walkers Distribution Ltd.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24So where's the certificate of employer's liability and public liability
0:27:24 > 0:27:26for Walkers Distribution Ltd as the law dictates?
0:27:27 > 0:27:33Lawrence has noticed all the certificates in the office still have the defendant's name on them.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37He calls the office to find out exactly what records exist
0:27:37 > 0:27:40for the newly formed Walkers Distributions Ltd.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44She's saying that the company is Walkers Distributions Ltd.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48Can you have a check on Companies House for me?
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Incorporated 12th March, 2012.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54This stuff here is all older than March.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58The office goods all pre-date the new company being formed,
0:27:58 > 0:28:02so Lawrence is satisfied they were bought by the defendant.
0:28:02 > 0:28:08Unless she can produce evidence proving she no longer owns them, they can be removed to pay her debt.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10There's no way this is all brand-new since March.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13So, it was bought previously.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16But as minutes then hours pass, nothing arrives.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20Whether anything does come in to support Walkers Distributions' claims,
0:28:20 > 0:28:26or whether Lawrence can get the money owed to Paul Keene, we'll find out later.
0:28:26 > 0:28:27Look at that bad boy, out there.
0:28:27 > 0:28:32Sheriffs cover the length of breadth of England and Wales enforcing High Court writs.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36We're on our way to a place called Nunney in Somerset.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38We're off to Newhaven Marina.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40They go out at any time...
0:28:40 > 0:28:42It's just before 5am now.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45..in any weather.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49Prepared to seize anything in order to pay back debts that are owed.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54It needs to be done by immediate payment, sir. We cannot leave until that money hits our bank account.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58Anyone managing to obtain a County Court judgment of over £600
0:28:58 > 0:29:01can upgrade it to the High Court and get a writ.
0:29:01 > 0:29:02Hello, there.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06These days a High Court writ costs £60.
0:29:06 > 0:29:13If the Sheriffs are successful, there's nothing more to pay - all the costs are paid by the debtors.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16- That's the cash there, so paid in full.- Lovely, thank you. Bye-bye.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20On the rare occasions the Sheriffs don't get someone their money back,
0:29:20 > 0:29:22there's only an admin fee of £60 to pay.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24Hallelujah, eh?
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Being a Sheriff is not a 9 to 5 job.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37This morning, for Darryl Oreton...
0:29:37 > 0:29:39Ready for action.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43..and Mark Povey, it's more of a 5 till 9 job.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45This is probably our earliest.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48They're on their way to Leighton Buzzard
0:29:48 > 0:29:52to meet a debtor they've been warned leaves for work early. Very early.
0:29:52 > 0:29:57It's just before 5am now. So we can hit the defendant, Michael Brown, first thing.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59We're told he goes to work at 5:30am.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04This is the earliest we're going to be getting to a job, knocking someone's door at 5am.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08We're looking for £5,173.79.
0:30:08 > 0:30:13Hopefully, we don't need to wake him up - he should be ready and waiting for us.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17Michael Bown has fallen into a dispute with an ex-associate
0:30:17 > 0:30:24over a BMW 5 Series he agreed to buy from them but has so far failed to pay for.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27SAT NAV: You have reached your destination.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30It may be pitch black and they may be tired,
0:30:30 > 0:30:34but that won't stop the Sheriffs going to work to get back the money rightfully owed.
0:30:40 > 0:30:46Arriving at the property, and the car in question is parked on the driveway.
0:30:46 > 0:30:53Yeah, this is it, yeah. It's a Beamer, so it's at the high end of the 53 as opposed to the low end.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57KNOCKS QUIETLY
0:30:58 > 0:31:02No-one seems to be up. Have the Sheriffs arrived too early?
0:31:03 > 0:31:05There's not much they can do, but knock.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10And knock.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15And knock.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25Mr Bown. Enforcement Officers. Can you come downstairs, please?
0:31:25 > 0:31:26And knock some more.
0:31:28 > 0:31:29And wait.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37But there's still no sign of debtor Michael Bown, and Darryl's knocking...
0:31:42 > 0:31:44..is upsetting the neighbours.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46Sorry about the disturbance.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50Either Mr Bown isn't in, or he's dead set on ignoring the Sheriffs.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53Concerned neighbour.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57Either way, there's not much Darryl and Mark can do about it.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00They decide to wait in the van to see if anything stirs.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07Darryl takes precautions against what the dawn may bring.
0:32:10 > 0:32:1540 minutes later, and dawn finally breaks over Leighton Buzzard.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18But will the daylight bring a change of luck for Darryl and Mark?
0:32:35 > 0:32:38He ain't coming. He ain't coming out.
0:32:38 > 0:32:43Without any response from inside and unable to force entry at a residential property,
0:32:43 > 0:32:46there's nothing the Sheriffs can do this morning.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50I've seized the vehicle anyway. I'll just leave some paperwork.
0:32:50 > 0:32:55Hopefully he calls us, otherwise we'll be back,
0:32:55 > 0:32:57possibly remove the vehicle next time we come.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03They post the notice of seizure for the BMW, and with that, head off.
0:33:03 > 0:33:10Mr Bown now has five days to get in touch, or Darryl will be back to tow away the car.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15Until he does, the previous car owner will have to wait to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
0:33:15 > 0:33:20Mr Bown told us he had not been in at the time of the Sheriffs' visit
0:33:20 > 0:33:24and knew nothing of the judgement until he received their paperwork.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27he said he believed he had paid for the car previously
0:33:27 > 0:33:29and disputed that he owed any money.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33He said he hadn't contested the case because he'd been tied up
0:33:33 > 0:33:35in other legal action against the same claimant.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46- Hello, there.- In Essex, Lawrence and Kev are still at the offices of
0:33:46 > 0:33:49leafleting company Walkers Distributions,
0:33:49 > 0:33:53trying to get money back for their former internet consultant, Paul Keene.
0:33:53 > 0:33:58We are ordered here today to seize goods to the value of £5,197.15
0:33:58 > 0:34:03with a view to removing them and selling them at auction to clear this debt.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06The company's refusing to pay the Sheriffs,
0:34:06 > 0:34:11insisting everything in the office was transferred from the old business named on the writ
0:34:11 > 0:34:14to a new company when it was set up some months earlier.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18She is saying that the company is Walkers Distribution Ltd.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20Finally, a receipt is e-mailed through
0:34:20 > 0:34:24supporting the defendant's claim that she sold everything
0:34:24 > 0:34:27to the new limited company when she set it up.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30They've been sold to the new limited company, according to this.
0:34:30 > 0:34:36A cash payment of £550, received in full and final payment for the goods.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39But Lawrence has his suspicions about the receipt,
0:34:39 > 0:34:42as it doesn't accurately list the items in the office.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46After hours waiting around, he's not a happy Sheriff.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50I've got the hump, now. It's taken this long
0:34:50 > 0:34:55to type out something that isn't even worth anything, anyway.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57They don't know what they've got here,
0:34:57 > 0:35:02because they've just put down "office furniture and fittings and computers".
0:35:02 > 0:35:05So, it doesn't detail any of this stuff, at all.
0:35:05 > 0:35:10Enough is enough for Lawrence. All the goods in the office are seized on paper
0:35:10 > 0:35:15and the defendant given five days to provide proper proof that they don't belong to her,
0:35:15 > 0:35:18or the Sheriffs will be back to remove them.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21He tells the woman in the office that her boss's stalling
0:35:21 > 0:35:26means the Sheriffs waiting fees have also been added to her outstanding debt.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28There's some paperwork for you.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31It's been a long, frustrating afternoon.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33- What a waste of time. - Yeah.
0:35:33 > 0:35:38Total rubbish. Ugh, that was painful.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41Bored, hungry, ratty.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45But as it turned out, Lawrence and Kev's efforts weren't in vain.
0:35:45 > 0:35:50The surprise visit inspired a stark rethink from Charlotte Walker,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53who decided to pay up in full.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58Finally, a delighted Paul has received the money he worked hard to earn.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01I'm really surprised they managed to get money,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04cos I began to believe them there was no money there.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07And it just goes to show that sometimes people say they don't have money,
0:36:07 > 0:36:10but you never know what's under the floorboards or in the mattress.
0:36:20 > 0:36:25On their way to try and get someone else back the money they're owed are Sheriffs Lawrence and Kev.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28It's half past eight and we're on our way to Dorking.
0:36:28 > 0:36:33We're after a business called Astute Management Specialist Resourcing Ltd.
0:36:33 > 0:36:39I believe it's an employment tribunal matter, because it's an individual that we're enforcing on behalf of.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52Arriving at the business park, they pull up and head to their target address.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55There's somebody in.
0:36:57 > 0:37:03So, there's a Michael Tupper who's the director of Astute Management and Aqua Mechanical Appliances.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05- DOOR OPENS - Hello, mate.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07Hello, there, sir. My name's Mr Grix,
0:37:07 > 0:37:11I'm an Enforcement Officer. I'm here to execute a High Court writ.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13They're greeted by company director Michael Tupper,
0:37:13 > 0:37:18who tries to convince Lawrence he doesn't have to pay because the claimant claimed
0:37:18 > 0:37:21for the wrong amount. But Lawrence is having none of it.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25The problem he's got is that the amount he's claimed for is the wrong figure.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29Because obviously he's claimed for a figure which should have tax deducted from it.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32I don't know if you're aware of it, there's what's known as the 42-day rule.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36Doesn't matter what the dispute is, on the 42nd day, you have to pay.
0:37:36 > 0:37:41But Mr Tupper has other reasons he says justifies not paying up.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44There's nothing here for Astute because actually they don't trade any more.
0:37:44 > 0:37:49- They're a company, but... - They're still showing as active on Companies House.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51They might be active, but they're not actually here.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53So, who are you to do with Astute, sir?
0:37:53 > 0:37:57- I'm actually a director of Astute. - Mr Tupper.- But Astute doesn't work here.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00- Doesn't trade any more. - Doesn't trade any more.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03It's Aqua Mechanical Services are here.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Yeah, which is another one of your companies.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09And Astute are here, but astute don't...
0:38:09 > 0:38:14Astute used to have a little desk in the corner run by a bloke called Dave, but he's gone.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18What proof have you got that they've got no money, no assets?
0:38:18 > 0:38:23I haven't got anything. I don't know what proof I'm supposed to give you, I don't know.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27Well, you would need to provide proof of all the assets of your other companies.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30All this lot here is in my name.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- Your personal name?- Yeah. All this lot here is owned by me.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37Well, you would need to prove that, sir. We're here today to seize that.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- Because you haven't paid the employment tribunal award...- Yeah.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43..we're here today to seize assets to clear the debt.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46There's nothing. I can show you the lease, it's all in my name.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48That's all I can show as evidence it's all in my name.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52Well, that just shows that the lease of the property is in your name,
0:38:52 > 0:38:54it doesn't show anything to do with the assets, does it?
0:38:54 > 0:38:58You can have a look. There's nothing here, mate. There's nothing in here.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Lawrence and Kev are invited inside to inspect the company offices.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03We're asked to stay outside.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10Lawrence wastes no time in checking out what assets are on offer, in case they need to seize them.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Take an inventory.
0:39:12 > 0:39:19We'll need to see proof of actually who owns all the fixtures and fittings in here,
0:39:19 > 0:39:26all the desks, photocopiers, fans, phones, computer systems, everything.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30We're going to seize it all until such time as proof of ownership is shown.
0:39:31 > 0:39:36To prove the company's got no money, the director takes the unprecedented step
0:39:36 > 0:39:39of showing Lawrence the company bank accounts.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42It shows there was money in the company account
0:39:42 > 0:39:45but it was removed two days earlier.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50Lawrence finds it odd that a company that hasn't traded for some time, according to the director,
0:39:50 > 0:39:52can still be moving money around.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56You can't have it both ways, sir. You can't have it as the company isn't trading,
0:39:56 > 0:40:00but it's got £4,000, or over £4,000 has gone out of its account in the last two days
0:40:00 > 0:40:05if it's not trading. So, who has used the bank account?
0:40:05 > 0:40:08The director explains that another company
0:40:08 > 0:40:13has been using Astute Management Specialist Resourcing Ltd's bank account.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17But you can't just have one company using another company's bank account.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20Because what that means is you're saying this company isn't trading,
0:40:20 > 0:40:24the company that you say is using the bank account can therefore declare
0:40:24 > 0:40:30a lot smaller turnover because it's using a bank account of a company that isn't trading.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33So it can hide its turnover.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37Sir, forget the money, then, we're not here for money, actually.
0:40:37 > 0:40:42We're ordered here to seize goods to clear the debt, so that's what we're going to do.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46And the only way to prevent that is to pay in full.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49Lawrence might not be getting too far with the bank accounts,
0:40:49 > 0:40:53but his diligent examination seems to have rattled Mr Tupper,
0:40:53 > 0:40:58who expresses a willingness to come to an arrangement on payment.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01Delighted, Lawrence suggests Mr Tupper offers a payment plan.
0:41:01 > 0:41:06As a back-up, Lawrence carries out a walking possession at the same time,
0:41:06 > 0:41:09seizing what assets there are for the court on paper.
0:41:09 > 0:41:14So, we'll do that, we'll give you a walking possession agreement over the stuff.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17You offer an amount to get the ball rolling.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22You might stand a chance if you offer the £1,272.44 straight up, maybe,
0:41:22 > 0:41:27and then £1,000 a month over the next couple of months,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29that might be accepted.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32OK, then Mr Tupper. Cheers. Bye-bye.
0:41:32 > 0:41:38Finally, the Sheriffs emerge and Lawrence is pleased to hail an unexpected success.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42We've taken a walking possession. We've given five days
0:41:42 > 0:41:46for the other companies to prove ownership, and they're going to submit a proposal.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48We've seen the bank account, there's no money in it.
0:41:48 > 0:41:53And there's no assets. He's saying the company isn't trading.
0:41:53 > 0:41:54To get any kind of proposal really,
0:41:54 > 0:41:57if the company genuinely isn't trading,
0:41:57 > 0:42:01hasn't got any assets and hasn't got any money...
0:42:01 > 0:42:04You know, if he'd have just said "I can't pay, do your worst,"
0:42:04 > 0:42:06then there's not a lot you can do,
0:42:06 > 0:42:10so to get any kind of proposal is quite good, I think.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15And following their visit, the director did begin paying off the debt
0:42:15 > 0:42:19in accordance with Lawrence's payment plan.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Which means the former employee getting back the money that's rightfully his.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27Mr Tupper told us:
0:42:33 > 0:42:39He does not believe that Astute Management Specialist Resourcing Ltd did anything wrong.
0:42:49 > 0:42:54Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd