0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Meet the sheriffs. - Let's introduce ourselves. - Have a High Court writ to attend.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07If it's not paid, we'll remove the stock.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Their job is to get you your money back.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13- It's about to get physical. - It's an arrestable offence to stop me doing my job.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17- If you've been ripped off and don't know where to turn... - We need to deal with it now.
0:00:17 > 0:00:18We'll remove vehicles to that value.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21If you're acting on his authority, pay it.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24..if you've been to court but still not been paid what you're owed...
0:00:24 > 0:00:27Are you going to open this building, or am I going to force entry into it?
0:00:27 > 0:00:29You need to pay this.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31..it's time to call the sheriffs.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- Don't put your hands on me. - I'll call a locksmith, effect entry into the premises
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- and remove all the items. - Whoa, whoa, whoa.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40They are enforcement agents of the High Court.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- And the law says they're on your side.- Just collected 42 grand.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Coming up:
0:00:51 > 0:00:56Lucy Horton was left scarred for life after a tattoo removal
0:00:56 > 0:00:58went badly wrong.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00A minor procedure like laser tattoo removal
0:01:00 > 0:01:02shouldn't cause third-degree burns.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Can the sheriffs get the beauty salon that caused her injury
0:01:07 > 0:01:11to pay the money a court says she's owed?
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Got a High Court writ to attend here today.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17When repairs to Mohammed Razaq's dream car went wrong,
0:01:17 > 0:01:19it cost him a fortune.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24It's cost me £8,000-£9,000 and left me
0:01:24 > 0:01:26without a vehicle for six to seven months.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30But sheriffs Lawrence and Kev have their work cut out
0:01:30 > 0:01:34when they visit the garage which carried out the repairs.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38Nobody is telling you how it is other than me.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41When the sheriffs visit a wedding photographer,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45they are surprised by what they find in his studio.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- Could I have a word with you in private?- Not now.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49I've got a half-naked woman in here.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53As the model covers up, will they recover the debt?
0:01:53 > 0:01:56And some all-time children's favourites
0:01:56 > 0:01:59have fallen into dispute.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02You just can't come along and take someone's creation and use it.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04It is stealing.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06Hey!
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Can the sheriffs pull strings to help them out?
0:02:09 > 0:02:10Can you pay it off in full?
0:02:19 > 0:02:22High Court enforcement agents, commonly known as sheriffs,
0:02:22 > 0:02:24can go anywhere in England and Wales
0:02:24 > 0:02:26to enforce a writ.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32Today, looking to get another member of the public money they're owed
0:02:32 > 0:02:34is sheriff Pete Spencer.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38He's in west Yorkshire on the case
0:02:38 > 0:02:41of a tattoo removal that went badly wrong.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45We're off to Mytholmroyd, which is near Halifax.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53The person Pete's on his way to help is
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Lucy Horton from Todmorden in West Yorkshire.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59She's a professional beauty therapist dedicated to making
0:02:59 > 0:03:02other people look as good as she possibly can.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05I do nails, massage, eye treatments, waxing,
0:03:05 > 0:03:06that kind of thing.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09And when I started at college, I just loved it
0:03:09 > 0:03:11and it's been my passion ever since.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15But Lucy herself was given a cosmetic procedure
0:03:15 > 0:03:19so bad it left her physically and emotionally scarred for life,
0:03:19 > 0:03:23forced to go to court and the doors of the sheriffs for help.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29Lucy's problem started after she got offered her dream job,
0:03:29 > 0:03:32working as a beauty therapist on a cruise ship.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35But the job came with a strict condition -
0:03:35 > 0:03:39Lucy had a butterfly tattoo on the underside of her left wrist.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43If she wanted the job, she would have to get it removed.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46When I found out I had to get rid of my tattoo, I was devastated,
0:03:46 > 0:03:50but turning down the job on the ship was never a consideration for me.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54She'd heard about a laser procedure offered by a local beauty parlour -
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Hair & Beauty World of Mytholmroyd, near Halifax,
0:03:57 > 0:03:59run by Howard Pilling.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Howard, the man that carried out the treatment for me,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05made me feel really confident that it was going to work.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07He showed me evidence of other people that he'd treated.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09He was a professional, he was the one that
0:04:09 > 0:04:13I was taking the advice from, so I believed everything that he told me.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18It wasn't cheap but it was what she wanted, so Lucy paid them
0:04:18 > 0:04:23£800 for as many sessions as it took to complete the job.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25The first few treatments were unpleasant
0:04:25 > 0:04:28but fitted in with what she'd been told to expect.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34But when Lucy went back for her fifth session, something had changed.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Howard informed me that he'd got a new machine.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41It'd be quicker and less painful which, obviously for me,
0:04:41 > 0:04:42was a bonus.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44It's a painful process to go through anyway and to have it
0:04:44 > 0:04:47a bit easier was obviously something that I was thrilled about.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50I was happy to go forward with the treatment.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53During the treatment, I found that it was more painful
0:04:53 > 0:04:56with a lot more heat and a lot more depth to it.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59It had me in tears. I couldn't breathe properly.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01The machine kept cutting out.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03I had a friend with me and she asked me
0:05:03 > 0:05:06if I was OK because I was crying that much.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08And I just said to her, "Don't talk to me. I'll be sick."
0:05:08 > 0:05:12And then, at that point, Howard asked me if I was OK,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15to which I replied that it was a lot more painful than usual
0:05:15 > 0:05:17and he just told me that we were nearly finished.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22He rubbed some aloe vera gel on it at the end and told me that everything would be fine.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29But a few days after the procedure, Lucy's wrist became inflamed.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31It wasn't until about a week later that
0:05:31 > 0:05:34I realised things weren't going as they normally would.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38When you touched it, after the blisters had popped, it was like jelly under the skin.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41I went to the doctors' and it was there that they told me
0:05:41 > 0:05:45I had an infection and I was put on antibiotics.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Then after that, it still didn't heal.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50The skin came off and you could see all the jelly underneath.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Lucy took herself to accident and emergency.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57The doctors told her she had third-degree burns
0:05:57 > 0:05:59and a serious infection.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03When I found out that I had third-degree burns,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05I was obviously a little bit mortified.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07It's not something you expect from a procedure like that,
0:06:07 > 0:06:09from having a tattoo lasered.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Sorry, I'm a little bit emotional about it.
0:06:16 > 0:06:21But Lucy still didn't realise how serious the situation was.
0:06:21 > 0:06:22I was a little bit naive
0:06:22 > 0:06:25and carried on thinking that it would heal normally and I'd carry on
0:06:25 > 0:06:28with the procedure and still get to go on the cruise ships.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31The wound took weeks to heal,
0:06:31 > 0:06:34and Lucy's dream of working on the cruise ships faded.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Far from disappearing, the burn formed a disfiguring scar.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Lucy was still in considerable pain
0:06:42 > 0:06:45and, for a while, lost some use of her hand.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50The hospital told Lucy she would need a skin graft.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55They took skin from my thigh and put it onto my wrist.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58As you can see, it's still quite a severe scar
0:06:58 > 0:07:00and it's not going to heal any more than that.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06Appalled at what had happened to her, and determined to get justice,
0:07:06 > 0:07:11Lucy, with mum Hazel's help, took salon boss Howard Pilling to court.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13He contested the case.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16So when we were attending court for the final hearing,
0:07:16 > 0:07:19it'd been a very emotional and difficult time for me
0:07:19 > 0:07:21and I struggled with it, I really did.
0:07:22 > 0:07:23Sorry.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31The case was heard in the small claims court,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34where Lucy got the maximum personal injury award of £1,000,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37a refund of the treatment fee and costs.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42When the judge awarded the case in our favour, I broke down.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44I couldn't believe it.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48It was such a relief for it to all finally be over and to know that
0:07:48 > 0:07:52I'd got what I deserved and that I wasn't fighting a lost cause.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55The judge praised my mum and I for what we'd done.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02In total, Mr Pilling was ordered to pay Lucy £2,430.
0:08:02 > 0:08:08He agreed to pay in £500 instalments but the payments stopped.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09Despite all the pain caused,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13Lucy still hasn't been paid what she's owed.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Now over four years after the treatment,
0:08:20 > 0:08:24it's time for Pete make sure the salon boss pays what's due.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Pete doesn't know the details of Lucy's story but he knows
0:08:30 > 0:08:32he has to get her the money.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Hiya. OK. I'm looking for a Mr Pilling.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- Yes?- Is he about?
0:08:37 > 0:08:38He is, yes.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40The staff seemed surprised to see Pete,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43who is fairly obviously not a customer.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45He's looking for Howard Pilling,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48the man who performed the disastrous tattoo removal.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Hiya. Good afternoon. Got a High Court writ to attend here today.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- Do you want to speak through here? - What?- High Court writ.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59Do you want to speak through here, rather than in front of your customers?
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Well, you're not filming me.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07Mr Pilling doesn't want to appear on television and our camera is
0:09:07 > 0:09:10asked to go outside while Pete outlines why he's there.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14He says he's come to collect the money owed to Lucy
0:09:14 > 0:09:17but Mr Pilling says he's got no money.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Because of this,
0:09:19 > 0:09:23Pete says he'll have to remove goods to auction to pay off the debt.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29The salon owner suggests Pete take just one item that's worth
0:09:29 > 0:09:30the amount owed.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35He shows Pete a laser he claims cost £25,000
0:09:35 > 0:09:39and will be worth at least £2,500.
0:09:39 > 0:09:45Selling around £25,000, a tattoo removal machine which,
0:09:45 > 0:09:48I mean, looks maybe £3-£500 auction value to me.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52With the costs involved in Pete taking goods,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55it would be cheaper to pay the full amount.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58I've given him ten to 15 minutes to make a few phone calls to raise
0:09:58 > 0:10:00the funds rather than us remove goods.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05And Mr Pilling uses the time well.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Faced with having several items removed and sold,
0:10:08 > 0:10:12he realises it's a no-brainer and has a change of heart,
0:10:12 > 0:10:16getting on the phone and finding someone to pay the money for him.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Pete comes out again to fill us in.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22He's got his daughter en route with a credit card
0:10:22 > 0:10:25that's going to pay the balance in full.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28She's about five to ten minutes away, so hopefully, once she arrives,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31the credit card'll work and we'll have a full payment.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Moments later, the card arrives.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Do you want to do it out here, so we're not disturbing your customers?
0:10:39 > 0:10:40OK. All right.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Although Pete offers the option of doing the payment discreetly,
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Mr Pilling doesn't seem to mind
0:10:45 > 0:10:47people knowing the sheriffs have called.
0:10:49 > 0:10:50Pardon?
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Yeah, yeah. It's all right. I've already told this lady.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02PETE CHUCKLES
0:11:02 > 0:11:07When Lucy Horton came here in 2009, she left scarred for life.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11Finally, the salon has paid her the money she's due.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14All cleared up. Paid in full.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16The money'll be going to the claimant now.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19This money that I'm going to be receiving, it just means I'll have
0:11:19 > 0:11:22closure on everything that's happened in the last four years.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23It means that I can move on with life
0:11:23 > 0:11:27and aim for that dream job that I've wanted to do for the past four years
0:11:27 > 0:11:29and that I can finally go ahead and do that.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32It'll help finance my time in London during the training period
0:11:32 > 0:11:34before I actually get on the cruise ship.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49This morning, sheriffs Lawrence Grix
0:11:49 > 0:11:52and Kev McNally have had an especially early start.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56They've already put some miles under their belts before breakfast.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01Just coming into Bristol at the moment.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03It's 8:30 in the morning.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06We're going to a business called Clayton Cars
0:12:06 > 0:12:08who are a BMW specialist garage.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17The person they're on their way to help is Mohammed Razaq from Bristol.
0:12:17 > 0:12:23- He owns and runs an off-licence in the city.- Thank you. Cheers. Thank you.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Recently, he decided to invest in a new car for pleasure
0:12:26 > 0:12:29and for work, buying a BMW 3 Series.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34My car was really important to me because I've got two businesses.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37You need to get around if you've got two businesses.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41Obviously I need to carry stock, carry my staff members.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43It's part of life, having your own car.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50Mohammed bought the car for £16,000 and looked forward to driving it.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52But only a few days after purchasing it,
0:12:52 > 0:12:55the car encountered some minor problems.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Needing to get it fixed, Mohammed looked online
0:12:58 > 0:13:01and soon thought he'd found the perfect place.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04It was called Clayton Cars, BMW specialists.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07So I thought, "Why not take it to them?" They looked really professional.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11Clayton Cars looked at the car and told him
0:13:11 > 0:13:13there were major problems with the engine.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14They said they could fix it
0:13:14 > 0:13:18and Mohammed said he'd cover any costs and left it with them.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20After three weeks, I called up the garage
0:13:20 > 0:13:23and said, "I haven't heard anything, what's the latest?"
0:13:25 > 0:13:26They said there seemed to be a problem
0:13:26 > 0:13:29but they cannot seem to work out what's wrong with the vehicle.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32I then was kind of losing faith in the garage
0:13:32 > 0:13:35but I thought, "They know what they're doing, they're BMW specialists,
0:13:35 > 0:13:38"and quite a few people actually recommended me to them."
0:13:38 > 0:13:43And then after about six or seven weeks, I got very impatient.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Mohammed says that over six weeks after they got the car,
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Clayton Cars told him they'd diagnosed problems
0:13:49 > 0:13:53with the catalytic converter and exhaust manifold.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57They said it would cost £3,169 to fix.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01Mohammed was happy to bear the cost for his beloved BMW.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03A few weeks later, with the work done,
0:14:03 > 0:14:09Mohammed paid up the £3,169 and drove his car home.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12After three hours, the car was shaking again.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16The gearbox was shaking, the exhaust manifold was making a noise.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Something's not right.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22Mohammed decided to take his car to another BMW specialist.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25They now diagnosed a fault with the knock sensor,
0:14:25 > 0:14:29which detects potentially damaging gases in the exhaust of car.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Mohammed says they told him
0:14:31 > 0:14:34it should have been replaced before any of the other repairs
0:14:34 > 0:14:38because a faulty knock sensor could harm key engine parts.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43It would cost another £3,500. Mohammed agreed.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46He says he asked Clayton Cars for a refund
0:14:46 > 0:14:49so he could pay this second bill but they wouldn't pay.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55He was left with no option but to take Clayton Cars to court.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58It made me feel like they were taking me for a joke
0:14:58 > 0:15:00because I'm just a young boy
0:15:00 > 0:15:03and they think that they could just fob me of.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06I thought, "Right, I'm going to go to court and get my money off them."
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Clayton Cars didn't contest it.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11In their absence, the judgment went against them.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15Despite this, they still haven't paid the money awarded by the court.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22It's now time for Lawrence and Kev
0:15:22 > 0:15:25to finally put an end to Mohammad's misery.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- What's the name of them? Clayton Cars?- That's it.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34First challenge, find the boss.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- Mr Grix.- Yeah?
0:15:37 > 0:15:40A High Court writ to execute against Clayton Cars
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- on behalf of Mr Mohammed Razaq.- OK, yeah.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44Are you in a position to pay or do you need to
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- contact the governor or... - I can try and contact him.- Yeah, if you can do. Yeah.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Kev has a look round the workshop.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55As expected, there are plenty of assets which, if need be,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58they can remove and auction to cover the debt.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Diagnostics as well. Do you want to show that to us?
0:16:01 > 0:16:03We've got that thing over there.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- That's yours, yeah? - That's actually ours.- OK.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Kev lists the diagnostics equipment.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11This kit is valuable,
0:16:11 > 0:16:16portable and vital to the everyday working of the garage.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Got this four-post lift over there.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22There's another four two-post lifts as well.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25There's assets here if we need to remove.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Lawrence doesn't like hanging about but, if he's forced to,
0:16:28 > 0:16:31it might as well be in a well-equipped workshop.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34He'd love a workshop like this. Four-post lift, that's his dream.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36That's his lottery win, that is.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38Yes, indeed.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43But it's time to stop dreaming. The boss, Mr Sowden, has arrived.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Morning. How you doing?
0:16:46 > 0:16:51- I'll just show you my ID. The amount outstanding is £5,483.86. - How did it get to all that?
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- Because it's been transferred up to the High Court for enforcement. - Sheriff's fees?- Yes.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- Who's the sheriff? Are you the sheriff?- Our company, yes.
0:16:59 > 0:17:05The owner has already spoken to his solicitors, who have assured him they are dealing with the case.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07This is what the solicitor's just sent you?
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- He sent this across today.- Well, can you just scroll it down so I can...
0:17:12 > 0:17:15The paperwork is an application to set aside the case,
0:17:15 > 0:17:17but no decision's been made.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Unfortunately, an application doesn't prevent enforcement.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24It needs paying now, or we're going to carry on enforcing the writ.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- We've taken an inventory of goods. - Can't you just wait?
0:17:27 > 0:17:30We can't because we have a live writ which orders us...
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- Yeah, but it's... That's... - It's not a case of waiting.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37There was an order made for you to pay.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39You didn't and you've got plenty of goods to clear the debt.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43What bits do you want to take out of this place? You are going to take some bits then?
0:17:43 > 0:17:46The main thing that leaps out to me is the diagnostic kit over there.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51I'm quite happy to wait for your solicitor to phone you back, providing they're not hours,
0:17:51 > 0:17:54because we've been here an hour and 40 minutes already.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58Lawrence is frustrated that the owner won't deal with the writ
0:17:58 > 0:18:00until his solicitor calls back.
0:18:00 > 0:18:05While they wait, Mr Sowden wants to explain his side of the story.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Mohammed's car came into us
0:18:07 > 0:18:11probably about September, October last year, a non-start.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15It was here for probably a month or six weeks.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17In the end, we got to the bottom of why it wouldn't start.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21He had to have a couple of parts on the exhaust system
0:18:21 > 0:18:22and a catalytic converter.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28We got the car running, so it was all good, but there was still one
0:18:28 > 0:18:31other thing to get done which we advised him to do.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35He continued to drive the car, so if he'd have had it done
0:18:35 > 0:18:38at the same time, we would not be talking about this.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43Meanwhile, Lawrence is hoping to enforce his writ if Mr Sowden
0:18:43 > 0:18:45ever speaks to his solicitor.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49If you could get on there as quick as you can, I do appreciate it.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52I think he considers us taking his stuff as an option whereas,
0:18:52 > 0:18:56realistically for him, that would be a very expensive option.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Again, the owner tries to get hold of his solicitor.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03And again, he's told that they will call him back.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07Mohammed waited weeks for Clayton Cars to fix his BMW, the sheriffs
0:19:07 > 0:19:11have waited hours for the garage to respond to their writ.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Frustration is growing.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16When we return, we'll see if Clayton Cars pays up.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29Sheriffs Tom Coyle and Craig Wild are in the Midlands again,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32on their way to help some disgruntled newlyweds.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Right, we are in Worcester today.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Another lovely rainy day we've got ahead of us.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43We're after an individual, a Mr David Purslow.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47The claimant is a Mrs Anna Edinburgh.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52It's a balance of 7,527.37 we're after today,
0:19:52 > 0:19:55which is not a small balance.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Anna Edinburgh hired photographer David Purslow to take
0:19:59 > 0:20:02pictures of her wedding in August 2011.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06But after the newlyweds returned from honeymoon,
0:20:06 > 0:20:09she had not received her photos.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13The proofs on David Purslow's website looked good but despite
0:20:13 > 0:20:18Anna chasing him, Mr Purslow never sent the full quality photos.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- I reckon we've passed it. - Over a year later,
0:20:20 > 0:20:25there were still no photos, so Anna took the photographer to court.
0:20:25 > 0:20:26He didn't contest the case
0:20:26 > 0:20:29and now he hasn't paid the money awarded by the court, which,
0:20:29 > 0:20:34with costs and interest, is just over £7,500.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Determined to get Anna Edinburgh her money,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46the sheriffs approach the photographic studio.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- Hello.- David Purslow?- Yes.- Could I have a word with you in private? - Not at the moment,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- I'm in the middle of something. - I need to speak to you.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- You're going to have to wait. - I can't wait, unfortunately.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00I've got half-naked woman in here. Do you want to come in at the moment?
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- Can you give me ten minutes? - Do you want to cover her up now?
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- I can't let the door be shut because I'm from the sheriffs.- Oh... OK.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11Defendants give the sheriffs many reasons for not entering premises.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15But the presence of a half-naked woman is among the more unusual.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Tom has powers to enter commercial premises
0:21:18 > 0:21:21so he's not going to let the studio door close but he agrees to
0:21:21 > 0:21:25avert his eyes, while the model covers up, before continuing.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- We're here with a High Court order. - OK.
0:21:28 > 0:21:35We're here for a balance of £7,527.37 to do with a Mrs Anna Edinburgh.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38You haven't got that today?
0:21:38 > 0:21:42No. I'm completely unaware... I've no idea. Who is Anna Edinburgh?
0:21:44 > 0:21:48To jog Mr Purslow's memory, Tom looks through the court paperwork.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51It doesn't reveal much.
0:21:51 > 0:21:57She supplied evidence to a County Court that you owe that balance.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59I've had no paperwork here or anything like this.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03But Tom's sure the debt is genuine and his live writ
0:22:03 > 0:22:05means he needs to resolve it today.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- Our job here today is to ask you for the money.- Right.
0:22:08 > 0:22:09Unfortunately, if you can't pay,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12we'll need to remove goods in lieu of payment.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14So anything that's here...
0:22:14 > 0:22:19Craig calls HQ to see if they can shed more light on the case.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23One second, I'll put you on speakerphone. All right. One second.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34Craig and Tom know they've got the details right and should press on.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- So it needs be settled.- OK.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Mr Purslow says he hasn't got £7,000.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47For a debt of this size, we have to take everything that's here.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51Right, anything else in your name as well. Any vehicles?
0:22:51 > 0:22:55At auction value, they're normally about 10% of true value.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58As you can imagine, we'd have to remove a lot of stuff.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02Faced with the prospect of the sheriffs removing
0:23:02 > 0:23:04a lot of goods to pay off the £7,000 debt,
0:23:04 > 0:23:09Mr Purslow realises he'll have to try to raise funds.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12It's best for you to start making some calls.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Checking through his e-mails, the photographer
0:23:14 > 0:23:16finds one from his former client,
0:23:16 > 0:23:20complaining that she has not received her disc of wedding photos.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23But he's sure he's had no letters from her or the court.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29Mr Purslow is no longer denying any knowledge of the debt
0:23:29 > 0:23:31but he's not paying either.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34Time to tell Mr Purslow where things stand.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37We'll start listing everything down, serial numbers, you know,
0:23:37 > 0:23:41and if you can't raise it - we've got roughly an hour -
0:23:41 > 0:23:44then we'll have to start looking at taking the goods.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Mr Purslow doesn't have the money
0:23:47 > 0:23:49but he's convinced his sister to pay.
0:23:49 > 0:23:5320 minutes later, she arrives and pays.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56Job done for the sheriffs.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- All right.- All right, David. Thank you for your time.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02- You take care.- Not a pleasure but thank you very much indeed. - Thank you very much.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- Thanks again. Thank you for your time.- Bye-bye.
0:24:06 > 0:24:11With the debt settled, Mr Purslow wants to put his side of the story.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15There's Anna Karina and David's photos all online,
0:24:15 > 0:24:17all accessible, which she's had.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20However it does say in the contract
0:24:20 > 0:24:23and the paperwork that they would get a disc of images of this.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28Which I believe I had sent. She says she hasn't got.
0:24:28 > 0:24:35The paperwork went to an address I was at eight years ago, seven to eight years ago,
0:24:35 > 0:24:37which the court guys say is probably my fault
0:24:37 > 0:24:39because it was on the bottom of my paperwork and everything.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43Being a small business and running out of cash flow, I didn't have
0:24:43 > 0:24:46the money, so I called my AMAZING sister, who I love very, very much.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49He says it's not an excuse,
0:24:49 > 0:24:50but Mr Purslow tells us
0:24:50 > 0:24:54he was being treated for cancer shortly after the wedding
0:24:54 > 0:24:58and that may explain why this job didn't get his full attention.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01It's a good result for claimant
0:25:01 > 0:25:05Anna Edinburgh who was unable to get her wedding photos but now,
0:25:05 > 0:25:06thanks to the sheriffs,
0:25:06 > 0:25:09will be getting the money a court says is hers.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22In Bristol, Lawrence
0:25:22 > 0:25:27and Kev are trying to get BMW owner Mohammed Razaq over £3,000
0:25:27 > 0:25:31from Clayton Cars, who, he says, didn't repair his car properly.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34It made me feel like they were taking me for a joke
0:25:34 > 0:25:35because I'm just a young boy
0:25:35 > 0:25:38and they think that they could just fob me off.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41The garage owner won't deal with the writ
0:25:41 > 0:25:44until he's spoken to his solicitor.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49But all his solicitors can tell him is that someone will call him back.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54Mr Sowden instead consults his book-keeper.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57The sheriff turned up today to get some money off of us.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01The book-keeper suggests he contact the solicitor.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Yes, I tried to get hold of the solicitors
0:26:03 > 0:26:06and they are taking time to come back to me.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11He's got a High Court writ in front of him.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13So I can just do that, you reckon?
0:26:13 > 0:26:15Yeah, apparently we shouldn't be...
0:26:15 > 0:26:18it's all in the hands of the solicitors...
0:26:19 > 0:26:22..and they're going to sort it out.
0:26:22 > 0:26:23LAWRENCE CHUCKLES
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Well, they may well do but they haven't sorted it out today, have they?
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- If you don't pay us... - PHONE RINGS
0:26:29 > 0:26:32..then we've got an awful lot of stuff to take to clear the debt.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Nothing personal but you've got the assets there to enable us
0:26:35 > 0:26:38to clear this debt, I believe.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40Once again, Mr Sowden tries to speak to his solicitors
0:26:40 > 0:26:44and convey how urgent the situation is.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46The solicitors say someone will call back.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Thank you very much. As quick as you can. That'll be much appreciated.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Thank you. Bye.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56And we're all getting hungry.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59They're not going to lunch, are they?!
0:26:59 > 0:27:00They probably are.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05Finally, some three hours after the sheriffs arrived at the garage,
0:27:05 > 0:27:08the owner gets through to his solicitor.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- Do you mind having a chat with them? - Sure, not a problem. - I'll pass you over.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- On the back like that, I think. - Hello there.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19Mr Sowden's aware that there has been an application to set aside.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21We have a live writ.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25It's a simple question, yes or no, and I know the answer.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Does an application prevent enforcement of a writ?
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Right. Can I just hand you to Mr Sowden, so you can tell him that?
0:27:36 > 0:27:37Hello?
0:27:37 > 0:27:41Have you not done something you should have done for me?
0:27:41 > 0:27:45Mr Sowden doesn't seem to like what he's hearing from the solicitor.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47I'm going to have to be on your case, aren't I?
0:27:47 > 0:27:50I just left it to the experts, the solicitors,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53and I've suddenly got the guys knocking on the door.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57The owner calls his book-keeper and seems to be talking about payment.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00If we do it that way.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03That's the account name, the account number and the sort code.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05I don't think that's the right way.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08I don't think it's as easy as ringing the police up, they'd probably...
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- The police won't do anything. - No, they won't do anything.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14It's a hell of a lot of money and I don't want to hand it over.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Come on, you've got to do or die.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19You're still having a conversation about how you can get out of paying it.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21It's the full amount now, I've had enough.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25Lawrence calls up a truck so they can start removing goods.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Yeah, if you can do urgently.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30It's the full amount. You can deal with Mohammed in court.
0:28:30 > 0:28:31End of.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34The guy's been going round in circles, really, literally
0:28:34 > 0:28:38asking anyone in the world for advice, or how not to pay, basically.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41He's asked his solicitor, he's asked someone else's solicitor
0:28:41 > 0:28:45and anyone else who wants to put their 10p-worth in
0:28:45 > 0:28:48has been doing so and it hasn't really got him anywhere.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50Advice is coming from everywhere.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53Nobody is telling you how it is other than me.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55There's no arguments to be had any more.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57This is the bottom line, this is the way it is.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01A few minutes later, Lawrence's message seems to have got through.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03The book-keeper arrives at the garage.
0:29:03 > 0:29:04Listen, this is the sheriff.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08She tells Lawrence that the case is in dispute and going to court.
0:29:08 > 0:29:09No disrespect to yourself,
0:29:09 > 0:29:13I know you've just sort of come into this, but I'm not going into another
0:29:13 > 0:29:17lengthy discussion about the whys and wherefores of us being here.
0:29:17 > 0:29:18We are entitled to be here.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21That is how much needs paying, or we will be removing stuff.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24I've already cued the office up to line up a truck
0:29:24 > 0:29:26to come down and take it, with some men to lift the stuff out.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29She tells Lawrence he can't take the tools of the trade.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31They are not tools of the trade.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33The only things that are tools of the trade
0:29:33 > 0:29:34are the guys' personal hand tools.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38Are you acting on the gentleman's authority to come down and pay this?
0:29:38 > 0:29:41Because we have been going on for four hours, 45 minutes.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43We are not going to stay around while you discuss
0:29:43 > 0:29:45whether he has spoken to his solicitors.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48That is something for you to deal with afterwards.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50If you are acting on his authority to pay it, pay it.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56And finally, that's exactly what the book-keeper does.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59There's your receipt.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01OK, then, Mrs Howden, we will leave you in peace.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- Obviously, whatever the court say, we will comply with.- See you later.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08- OK.- Bye-bye.- Bye-bye.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11That was not the job from hell, but it was a war of attrition.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15Nearly five hours there, but we got payment in full in the end.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18We've got two weeks to hopefully go to court and try to
0:30:18 > 0:30:23reclaim our money back, which I think we fully will win the case.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Since we filmed, Clayton Cars pushed on with that application
0:30:26 > 0:30:29to have the judgment set aside.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34The judge threw out the garage's case, which means Mohammed
0:30:34 > 0:30:38keeps the money the sheriffs extracted from Clayton Cars.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41And he has a message for any individuals wondering
0:30:41 > 0:30:44if they could take on a business and win.
0:30:44 > 0:30:49Do go to the courts because there is justice out there
0:30:49 > 0:30:53and look up how to fight a case in court.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59Another success for a member of the public who fought for his rights.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12These days, sheriffs are officially called
0:31:12 > 0:31:15enforcement agents of the High Court.
0:31:15 > 0:31:16Yeah, who are you, sir?
0:31:16 > 0:31:18I've got a High Court writ I'm executing.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22We're here to collect £1,930.20.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26They enforce High Court writs. They also have protection under the law.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Right, do you want to ring the police?
0:31:29 > 0:31:31This gentleman is stopping me doing my job.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34Anyone stopping a sheriff from doing his job
0:31:34 > 0:31:36has committed a criminal offence.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39We've got a legal document to evict you.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42They could be arrested by the police,
0:31:42 > 0:31:45charged and taken to court...
0:31:45 > 0:31:48You do not have to say anything, but it could harm your defence...
0:31:48 > 0:31:52..leaving the sheriffs to recover the money their clients are owed.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56It's £1,857.90, which needs to be paid today.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01- A High Court writ costs £60. - Thank you very much.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04If the sheriffs are successful, there is nothing more to pay.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06HE CHEERS
0:32:06 > 0:32:07If they are unsuccessful,
0:32:07 > 0:32:14the only cost is a compliance fee of £75 plus VAT for each enforcement.
0:32:25 > 0:32:26On a bright autumn morning,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29sheriffs Chris Pearson and Steve Hockborn
0:32:29 > 0:32:32are outside an industrial estate near the east coast.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34We're in Carnaby, East Yorkshire.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37We are looking for a Mr Robert Redshaw on behalf
0:32:37 > 0:32:40of a Mr Ian Richard Allen
0:32:40 > 0:32:43for the amount of £8,968.79.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48The person they are on their way to help is Ian Allen from Norfolk.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51You might not recognise him, but if you are one of the millions
0:32:51 > 0:32:54of children he has inspired and entertained over the years,
0:32:54 > 0:32:58you would certainly recognise one or two of his creations.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00# We followed Mr Spoon
0:33:00 > 0:33:02# Button Moon, Button Moon... #
0:33:02 > 0:33:03This is Mr Spoon.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07Called Mr Spoon because he's got wooden spoons for his arms.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09This is his wife, Mrs Spoon.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12This is their daughter, Tina Teaspoon.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14This is the best friend, Egbert.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18Ian is a puppeteer and the man responsible for
0:33:18 > 0:33:22the all-time children's classic series Button Moon.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27Oh, hello, Mr Spoon! Welcome to Button Moon!
0:33:29 > 0:33:32At the time, I didn't realise it was going to be such a hit.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35It was a low-budget TV series.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Five, four, three, two, one...
0:33:38 > 0:33:40Blast off!
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Although still regularly repeated on TV around the world,
0:33:52 > 0:33:55the last of its 91 episodes was made in 1988,
0:33:55 > 0:33:59but since then, people have regularly approached Ian
0:33:59 > 0:34:01about ways of capitalising on its success.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03Among them was Robert Redshaw,
0:34:03 > 0:34:08who runs a TV and film merchandise company near Bridlington.
0:34:08 > 0:34:09I said no to Mr Redshaw
0:34:09 > 0:34:13because I've already got Button Moon T-shirts out there
0:34:13 > 0:34:16and if I do any work with you at all,
0:34:16 > 0:34:22I've got to approve the designs for the mugs and didn't hear anything.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28So, there was no-one more shocked when, some months later,
0:34:28 > 0:34:32his attention was drawn to a range of Button Moon inspired merchandise
0:34:32 > 0:34:34being sold by Mr Redshaw's company.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36I switched on the computer,
0:34:36 > 0:34:39I saw they were being sold all over the internet.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42I contacted Trading Standards.
0:34:42 > 0:34:47They were very sympathetic and said, "Yes, it's truly Button Moon."
0:34:47 > 0:34:50I was heartbroken, angry.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54Someone coming along and altering your creation for their own means
0:34:54 > 0:34:57was just awful.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01Ian contacted Mr Redshaw, who claimed the merchandise
0:35:01 > 0:35:05was just a parody, but this didn't satisfy Ian.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09He went back to Trading Standards who told Mr Redshaw
0:35:09 > 0:35:12to stop selling it and destroy what stock he still had.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16When he was called by Trading Standards to destroy them,
0:35:16 > 0:35:22he sold them on and I found one ad on Amazon and another ad on eBay.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25He decided to take legal action to protect his creations
0:35:25 > 0:35:29and stop the sale of the merchandise. The case went to court.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32It's a painful experience to have to go to court.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37I can't say I enjoyed it. I was very scared, stage fright, it's...
0:35:37 > 0:35:41It's theatre, court, and I didn't have the script.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45It was a new experience and I don't want to have to go through it again.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48Robert Redshaw contested the case, maintaining it was
0:35:48 > 0:35:52a parody of the brand and not infringing Ian's copyright.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56The judge disagreed and was unimpressed by Mr Redshaw's failure
0:35:56 > 0:36:00to prove how much money he had made from the merchandise.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04He just can't come along and take someone's creation
0:36:04 > 0:36:06and use it, it is stealing.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11The judge agreed it was a clear infringement
0:36:11 > 0:36:13and awarded Ian the judgment,
0:36:13 > 0:36:19ordering Mr Redshaw to pay him £7,158.12.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21Hooray!
0:36:21 > 0:36:25However, despite this order, Ian still hasn't been paid.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28He has now had to bring in some other stars of TV
0:36:28 > 0:36:30to help get him what is rightfully his.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40In East Yorkshire, Chris and Steve are paying a visit to the man
0:36:40 > 0:36:44who produced the offending merchandise, Robert Redshaw.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48Redshaw House? It's not really a lot of help.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52In Button Moon, Mr Spoon went to the moon in a baked bean can rocket.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Equipped only with a van,
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Chris and Steve aren't doing quite as well,
0:36:57 > 0:37:00failing to find Mr Redshaw's business.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02This is where we went before.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06The trouble is, all of the units on the estate look the same.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Honest, mate, it could be anything around here.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12We could be driving around all day to be honest.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Let's pull in. I'll have a little run in and see what I can find out.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20Even the locals don't seem aware of Mr Redshaw.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24I'm looking for a Robert Redshaw, Redshaw House. No idea?
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Thanks for your time anyway. Cheers, buddy.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29That postcode covers most of the trading estate.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33And nobody seems to know where it is.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Steve has gone to the bakery over there, so he's either
0:37:36 > 0:37:40getting some information or eating them out of house and home!
0:37:40 > 0:37:45Returning baked potato free, Steve instead has some hot information.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48Down here on the right. It is called Kapow Gifts or something.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50A few more minutes driving around
0:37:50 > 0:37:53and it is starting to get frustrating.
0:37:53 > 0:37:54She just said it is on this side.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57You have verified it is on the trading estate, then?
0:37:57 > 0:37:58Yes, it is here somewhere.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01Why didn't you get an exact place? Why didn't you ask her?
0:38:01 > 0:38:04You'll have to go back in and say, "Sorry, I'm that stupid,
0:38:04 > 0:38:06"I didn't ask for full information last time I came in."
0:38:06 > 0:38:08What are you stopping for?
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Because I'm going to have to do what you didn't do.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12Right, let me out.
0:38:12 > 0:38:17I'll go and have a... I'll go and have a walk round this one.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19I'll just wait and see what he comes up with.
0:38:21 > 0:38:22But as Steve heads off,
0:38:22 > 0:38:27the location of Kapow Gifts hits Chris between the eyes.
0:38:29 > 0:38:34There it is! Redshaw House! There you go. We'll just leave him.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40PHONE RINGS
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- 'I'm talking to Mr Redshaw. Can you get down here?'- I'm here now.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Right, here you are.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49Not only has Steve found Mr Redshaw,
0:38:49 > 0:38:52he's got himself inside his premises
0:38:52 > 0:38:55and, once a sheriff is inside your commercial premises,
0:38:55 > 0:38:57by law, you can't get him out.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59OK, and it is to do with Mr Ian Richard Allen.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- Yeah, well, I thought it might be. - Do you know what it is about, yes?
0:39:02 > 0:39:06I've e-mailed him countless times, saying, "Can you send me an invoice?
0:39:06 > 0:39:08"Can you send me an invoice and where to send the money?"
0:39:08 > 0:39:11I've been sent today with a High Court writ to clear the debt.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14I've actually... I can show you the e-mail now if you want.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16I've actually e-mailed him, "Where do you want the money?"
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Right, can you pay it off in full, first of all?
0:39:19 > 0:39:23- Yeah, as long as it's not... - £8,968 in total.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25Well, I've got a bit of a...
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Obviously, I'd like to dispute that, extras that
0:39:27 > 0:39:30he is obviously going to charge you to collect it
0:39:30 > 0:39:32because he has just never asked me for the money.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35Far from disputing the case, Mr Redshaw claims
0:39:35 > 0:39:39he has tied to pay Mr Allen the money, but it hasn't been paid
0:39:39 > 0:39:42and Mr Allen has gone to the High Court,
0:39:42 > 0:39:44so Mr Redshaw's bill has gone up.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47That was your original bill with your judgment costs,
0:39:47 > 0:39:49which is around what you said you had to pay him.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52This is the interest accrued. This is the sheriffs' fees.
0:39:53 > 0:40:00- Let's have a look.- But... But on what basis... How can I dispute that?
0:40:00 > 0:40:04I can't give too much advice because I'm working on his behalf, you see?
0:40:04 > 0:40:07But, at the end of the day, if you have any grievances, take it up with
0:40:07 > 0:40:10him, and if you have any grievances with the court, take it up with them.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12I mean, if you are in a position to pay it...
0:40:12 > 0:40:13the best thing to do is pay it
0:40:13 > 0:40:17and then take it up in your own time, pretty much straightaway next week.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22And with two sheriffs on site and the prospect of his property
0:40:22 > 0:40:26being removed, Mr Redshaw agrees to pay.
0:40:32 > 0:40:38With the debt paid, Mr Redshaw wants to put his side of the story.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41I could understand why, you know, if it's his creation, it's his baby.
0:40:41 > 0:40:42He describes it as his baby
0:40:42 > 0:40:44and his children being kidnapped or something.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47You know, it's a bit melodramatic. I can understand what he's saying.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51It's his main creation. I'm not aware of anything else he's created,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54really, that's taken off like that. It was a big show at the time.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56But he still thinks it's a big thing 30 years later
0:40:56 > 0:41:00and that we've made a massive amount of money out of it.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03That's not the case. We only made a few hundred mugs
0:41:03 > 0:41:05so the licensing he would've got off that, the royalty,
0:41:05 > 0:41:07would have been 10%,
0:41:07 > 0:41:10which would have only been something like £100 or something.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12You know, it's totally disproportionate
0:41:12 > 0:41:14to what was awarded.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16It's a good result for the sheriffs
0:41:16 > 0:41:18and Button Moon creator Ian Allen.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20We've done a bank transfer in the end
0:41:20 > 0:41:22and he's cleared the full lot off, which is a result.
0:41:22 > 0:41:27And finally, in the interests of justice, a decision must be made.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Who was responsible for the hour it took to find the address?
0:41:31 > 0:41:36So, really, it's more Steve's fault than mine, to be honest.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38As is everything that goes wrong.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40LAUGHTER
0:41:41 > 0:41:45And no-one's more delighted at the outcome than Ian Allen,
0:41:45 > 0:41:46and a couple of his friends.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49Well done. The sheriffs got the money.
0:41:49 > 0:41:50Hey!
0:42:02 > 0:42:06Today, Darryl Oreton is in the Midlands on his way to one
0:42:06 > 0:42:10of the country's largest insurance companies - Direct Line.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14Just coming into Birmingham city centre now.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17The defendant is Direct Line Insurance.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21We're there looking for just over £12,000.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24Quite a large amount. They've got to be one of the leading
0:42:24 > 0:42:27insurance companies, aren't they?
0:42:27 > 0:42:30So, yeah, not short of a few quid, let's put it that way.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35The claim is being made by Devinder Ubhi.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38When his BMW was in an accident, he had it repaired by
0:42:38 > 0:42:42a Direct Line-approved garage, but there were numerous problems.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45Eventually, he had them fixed by another garage
0:42:45 > 0:42:49and sent the bill to Direct Line, but they refused to pay.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53When he took Direct Line to court, they didn't contest the case
0:42:53 > 0:42:56and an award was made in Devinder's favour.
0:42:56 > 0:42:57But it was never paid.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06Although £12,000 is a lot to Devinder, with revenues
0:43:06 > 0:43:10of over four billion, it should be a drop in the ocean for Direct Line.
0:43:10 > 0:43:15With High Court writ in hand, Darryl heads in to ask for the money.
0:43:15 > 0:43:21Afternoon. I need to speak to somebody managerial or in accounts.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24- I'll see if I can contact someone. - OK, yeah, thank you.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27Darryl's only too happy to take the comfy seat.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31But it's more than just a chance to have a sit down.
0:43:32 > 0:43:37Just listing a few assets of what's here. Not a great deal.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43He gets to work inspecting assets he could potentially remove.
0:43:44 > 0:43:48Just these four sofas, two coffee tables and that big...
0:43:48 > 0:43:50that big yellow picture.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52It depends who the artist is, though,
0:43:52 > 0:43:55but a few hundred pounds, I would have thought.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58Moments later, a Direct Line representative
0:43:58 > 0:43:59comes down to talk to him.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02Hiya. We're here to execute a High Court writ.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05It's against Direct Line Insurance PLC.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08- It's on the behalf of a Devinder Ubhi.- Right, OK.
0:44:08 > 0:44:10I'm here to collect just over £12,000.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13- Can I just take that with me for a second?- Yeah, of course you can.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16- I'll be back.- OK.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18After another brief wait,
0:44:18 > 0:44:21a second person comes down to deal with Darryl.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24- He asks our camera to leave.- Hi.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30The man says the matter relating to the writ is still in dispute.
0:44:30 > 0:44:32He says they want to have the judgment set aside
0:44:32 > 0:44:35and insists he's not going to pay the writ today.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41Darryl agrees to list Direct Line assets instead with a view to
0:44:41 > 0:44:45removing them at a later date if the debt's not settled satisfactorily.
0:44:48 > 0:44:52Darryl is taken to view what's on offer for his list.
0:44:52 > 0:44:57It's mainly office furniture and computers and he lists it all.
0:44:57 > 0:45:01Now they're technically the property of the High Court.
0:45:01 > 0:45:04If Direct Line don't win their set-aside,
0:45:04 > 0:45:07it acts as a guarantee on the debt.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10So, they weren't going to pay any money there and then.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12They want their day in court, pretty much.
0:45:12 > 0:45:16So if they go back to court and lose, I'm sure they'll pay.
0:45:18 > 0:45:19And since we've filmed,
0:45:19 > 0:45:24Direct Line's application for a set-aside was dismissed.
0:45:24 > 0:45:25Devinder Ubhi now has his money.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29Direct Line told us that they
0:45:29 > 0:45:33had tried to engage with Mr Ubhi to better understand his allegations
0:45:33 > 0:45:36about the disputed repair work and resolve the matter.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39They said at the time they received the court's order, these
0:45:39 > 0:45:41discussions remained outstanding
0:45:41 > 0:45:43and their solicitors had applied to the court
0:45:43 > 0:45:45to have the judgment reviewed
0:45:45 > 0:45:49but this was not processed in time to prevent the sheriffs' visit.
0:45:56 > 0:45:57With dawn approaching,
0:45:57 > 0:46:01sheriffs Lawrence and Kev are heading to West London.
0:46:01 > 0:46:03But this morning they're not looking for a debtor.
0:46:03 > 0:46:06Instead, they've got a writ of possession
0:46:06 > 0:46:09to evict a group of squatters.
0:46:09 > 0:46:11It's just after five o'clock at the moment
0:46:11 > 0:46:16and we're on our way to a repossession in London.
0:46:16 > 0:46:19It's a pub we've done before - the Cross Keys.
0:46:19 > 0:46:22A year ago, Lawrence and Kev visited the same pub
0:46:22 > 0:46:24after it was occupied by squatters,
0:46:24 > 0:46:28having become vacant while the owner sought to develop it.
0:46:29 > 0:46:31Sheriffs forced entry and were lucky enough
0:46:31 > 0:46:34to avoid a booby trap left for them at the door.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36They managed to evict the squatters
0:46:36 > 0:46:38and return the pub to its rightful owner.
0:46:40 > 0:46:43But the development process has again become drawn out,
0:46:43 > 0:46:45leaving the building empty,
0:46:45 > 0:46:48and now a new bunch of squatters has moved in.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51So it's Lawrence and Kev's job, along with some colleagues
0:46:51 > 0:46:55and a team supplied by the owner, to get the new squatters out.
0:46:55 > 0:46:59The sheriffs are keen to make entry before the sleeping squatters
0:46:59 > 0:47:01realise what happening.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04There's no sign of any movement in there at the moment.
0:47:04 > 0:47:07They've gained entry through the rear, we believe.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09We'll be going into the front.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12If they want to run out the rear as we go in the front, you know,
0:47:12 > 0:47:14that's entirely up to them and suits us.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21Normally, the sheriffs bring in their own experts to do this.
0:47:21 > 0:47:25The men supplied by the client are making a lot of noise.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28LOUD BANGING
0:47:29 > 0:47:32They're awake. It's hard not to be, isn't it, really?
0:47:40 > 0:47:43The doors open but they can't get in.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45The entrance is barricaded.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48Until the gear's out, the sheriffs won't be going in.
0:47:48 > 0:47:49BANGING
0:47:49 > 0:47:51Guys, take it easy.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53That stuff's got to come out.
0:47:57 > 0:47:59Come on, you lot. Start moving some of this stuff.
0:47:59 > 0:48:03We're doing your job for you. You're supposed to be getting us in.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05Bring everything out.
0:48:05 > 0:48:07The sheriffs have a dilemma.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10They need to get in quickly to stop the squatters barricading any
0:48:10 > 0:48:14more doors but, having experienced the booby trap last time,
0:48:14 > 0:48:17Lawrence doesn't want his men taking unnecessary risks.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19James, careful.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21The booby trap is back in place.
0:48:23 > 0:48:27With the barricade cleared, there's a second door.
0:48:27 > 0:48:29I'll need a crowbar again.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40Right, that's the ground floor. You don't want to go that way.
0:48:40 > 0:48:41Up the stairs.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46Right, we've got a writ of possession. You all need to leave.
0:48:46 > 0:48:49We'll give you a bit of time to get your stuff together, OK?
0:48:49 > 0:48:53- How many of you are in here? - About 20.- About 20. OK.
0:48:55 > 0:48:59It's a lot of bodies to shift, along with all their stuff.
0:48:59 > 0:49:02At least some of the squatters realise the game is up,
0:49:02 > 0:49:05take advantage of the newly opened door, and leave.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09- Yeah.- Thanks.
0:49:09 > 0:49:10You've got an easy way out.
0:49:10 > 0:49:13You don't have to risk life and limb on the roof this morning.
0:49:13 > 0:49:16The squatters' normal route in and out is perilous,
0:49:16 > 0:49:19but has to be checked and shut off.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22This is the door they were using and there is a ladder down there
0:49:22 > 0:49:25I believe they were using to drop down to the ground floor then
0:49:25 > 0:49:29climb up the ladder and come in this window.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32Although some of the squatters are now out, many of those
0:49:32 > 0:49:36remaining have been here a while and have a lot of stuff.
0:49:43 > 0:49:47The procedure now is to empty and check off each area of the pub
0:49:47 > 0:49:50and make sure no-one gets back in.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52- All out now. - Yeah, everybody's out of there.
0:49:54 > 0:49:55Roof's clear.
0:49:58 > 0:50:00It looks like the squatters are all out
0:50:00 > 0:50:03but the sheriffs know only too well that just one person
0:50:03 > 0:50:06left behind can let the rest back in,
0:50:06 > 0:50:08so every nook and cranny is checked,
0:50:08 > 0:50:12though Lawrence leaves the attic to the younger members of the team.
0:50:12 > 0:50:15Make sure you walk on the rafters.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18Now we're all done here. All the squatters are out,
0:50:18 > 0:50:21about 20 of them in total. They're loitering around...
0:50:21 > 0:50:25around here for a little bit. So, let them carry on with that.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28It's been a fairly smooth operation for the sheriffs.
0:50:28 > 0:50:30For the second time in just over a year,
0:50:30 > 0:50:34the Cross Keys pub has been cleared of squatters.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37It's a mess but not that badly damaged.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40Thank you, Richard. See you later.
0:50:40 > 0:50:44And since we filmed, the pub has been sold to a new developer,
0:50:44 > 0:50:48who plans to reopen it as a working pub in the near future.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02In West Yorkshire, it's the sort of weather that makes
0:51:02 > 0:51:05some people think of jetting off to sunnier climes.
0:51:06 > 0:51:08But, for sheriffs Chris and Steve,
0:51:08 > 0:51:11the only warmth they'll feel as a result of their visit to
0:51:11 > 0:51:14Leeds Bradford Airport will come from knowing they've helped
0:51:14 > 0:51:18someone to get the money that's rightfully theirs.
0:51:18 > 0:51:20CHUCKLING
0:51:20 > 0:51:22- What was that? - Have you seen the price list?
0:51:22 > 0:51:25You'll have to sell your van to get it back.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28We're at Leeds Bradford Airport, looking for Jet2.com.
0:51:30 > 0:51:34The man the sheriffs are helping today is David Stevanovic.
0:51:34 > 0:51:39His profession is chartered accountancy but his passion is golf.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42And that's what he likes to do on holiday.
0:51:42 > 0:51:4520 years ago, we discovered a really nice resort called
0:51:45 > 0:51:47Lagos in the Western Algarve.
0:51:47 > 0:51:51So every year I take the opportunity to book an apartment.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54In August 2012, David and his wife, Catherine,
0:51:54 > 0:51:57went on their annual holiday to Portugal.
0:51:57 > 0:52:01Two weeks booked of pure rest and relaxation.
0:52:01 > 0:52:03Their holiday teed off brilliantly.
0:52:03 > 0:52:05We had a fantastic time. The weather was perfect.
0:52:05 > 0:52:07And it's always nice to say I played quite well.
0:52:07 > 0:52:11I came back from the holiday feeling good about my game.
0:52:11 > 0:52:12You want it to run smoothly
0:52:12 > 0:52:15and the last thing you need on holiday is a hiccup.
0:52:15 > 0:52:17The hiccup occurred on their flight back home.
0:52:17 > 0:52:22Not the result of too much bubbly, but thanks to airline Jet2.com.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24It was about ten minutes into the flight.
0:52:24 > 0:52:27The captain came on to the tannoy to say that
0:52:27 > 0:52:30unfortunately there was a problem with the aircraft.
0:52:30 > 0:52:34Because of that, they had decided they would have to go back to Faro.
0:52:34 > 0:52:39An hour and a quarter later, the 140 passengers landed safely.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42Then they spent another hour on the plane
0:52:42 > 0:52:44while engineers tried to fix the problem.
0:52:44 > 0:52:47Eventually they got to the point where they said,
0:52:47 > 0:52:50"Sorry, we can't fix this. We'll have to take you off the aircraft."
0:52:50 > 0:52:53Although there were Jet2.com staff on the ground,
0:52:53 > 0:52:55they themselves didn't really know what was going on.
0:52:55 > 0:52:57Two to three hours later,
0:52:57 > 0:53:00passengers were informed that the plane couldn't be fixed
0:53:00 > 0:53:04and they would have to wait for a replacement to arrive from Italy.
0:53:04 > 0:53:06It's frustrating. It's just inconvenient.
0:53:06 > 0:53:08And there's nothing you can do about it yourself.
0:53:08 > 0:53:12You're totally dependent on Jet2.com sorting this out for you.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14The spare jet finally arrived from Italy
0:53:14 > 0:53:16and was ready to take them home.
0:53:16 > 0:53:19In total, they were over 12 hours late.
0:53:21 > 0:53:25David was disappointed with how Jet2 dealt with the delay.
0:53:25 > 0:53:30He was determined to get what he was entitled to and sought legal advice.
0:53:30 > 0:53:33He and his wife wrote separate letters to Jet2
0:53:33 > 0:53:36explaining they were on the 12-hour delayed flight
0:53:36 > 0:53:41and, under European legislation, they were entitled to compensation.
0:53:41 > 0:53:43The response was mixed.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47They didn't ever get round to acknowledging my letter.
0:53:47 > 0:53:49Mine was just completely ignored.
0:53:49 > 0:53:52But my wife got a letter back saying, on this occasion,
0:53:52 > 0:53:55they'd looked into the complaint but they had decided that it
0:53:55 > 0:53:58was a delay there, certainly, but it was beyond their control
0:53:58 > 0:54:01and therefore there was no compensation due.
0:54:01 > 0:54:05But no details on the letter. It was simply, "Not our fault."
0:54:05 > 0:54:06David wrote again,
0:54:06 > 0:54:10threatening legal action if they didn't supply more information.
0:54:10 > 0:54:12But, again, there was no response.
0:54:12 > 0:54:16This was the final straw and David took the matter to court.
0:54:16 > 0:54:19Jet2 didn't contest the case and a judgment was
0:54:19 > 0:54:24issued in the Stevanovics' favour, awarding them 400 euros each.
0:54:24 > 0:54:28But, like the flights, the payment is delayed.
0:54:28 > 0:54:32To get what's rightfully his, David has called in the sheriffs.
0:54:39 > 0:54:43The weather at Leeds Bradford Airport is distinctly un-Portuguese.
0:54:43 > 0:54:45It's lovely. This is summer up here.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50Jet2 is based here, so Chris and Steve are heading
0:54:50 > 0:54:54for the airport check-in desks in pursuit of David's money.
0:54:54 > 0:54:56Jet2 isn't hard to spot.
0:54:58 > 0:55:02I need to speak to somebody in regards to a High Court writ.
0:55:02 > 0:55:06- A High Court writ?- Yeah, there's been a High Court writ issued.
0:55:06 > 0:55:09Our camera is asked to take the emergency exit.
0:55:09 > 0:55:14Inside, Chris and Steve are taken to meet the Jet2 boss.
0:55:14 > 0:55:16With the sheriffs in their office wielding a High Court writ,
0:55:16 > 0:55:20Jet2.com consult their lawyers.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23Following a recent European Court ruling,
0:55:23 > 0:55:27dozens of airlines are being pursued by thousands of passengers
0:55:27 > 0:55:31for the compensation they are due for flight delays.
0:55:31 > 0:55:35It's not long before Jet2.com agree the debt should be settled
0:55:35 > 0:55:39and, as soon as they have worked out how to pay, they do.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43Relatively speaking, it was pretty brisk. Got rid of it quite quickly.
0:55:43 > 0:55:47- So, yeah, we're happy with that.- It was fine. Nice, comfortable seats.
0:55:47 > 0:55:51A couple of cups of coffee. A bit of chat. That was about it.
0:55:52 > 0:55:56And even happier than the rain-soaked sheriffs is the man
0:55:56 > 0:55:59delayed by Jet2, David Stevanovic.
0:55:59 > 0:56:00I'm really pleased.
0:56:00 > 0:56:05I think it demonstrates just what can be done if you're minded to.
0:56:05 > 0:56:07I'm really pleased with the outcome.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11Jet2 told us that a miscommunication between their solicitors
0:56:11 > 0:56:15and the courts led to the default judgment and lack of payment.
0:56:15 > 0:56:18They said they'd reviewed their compensation review
0:56:18 > 0:56:20processes in light of this.
0:56:20 > 0:56:22They added that, given the size of the debt,
0:56:22 > 0:56:26they were very surprised by the extreme way the writ was served.