0:00:03 > 0:00:07- Meet the sheriffs. - My name is Mr Grix. My colleagues and I are enforcement agents.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10They work for the High Court and if it says you are owed money,
0:00:10 > 0:00:12it's their job to go and get it.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16I'm here for £6,072.18.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18They can demand payment on the spot...
0:00:18 > 0:00:20I'm here for the full balance.
0:00:20 > 0:00:21How are you going to pay it?
0:00:21 > 0:00:24..or remove assets instead.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26The car will be going unless you can pay it.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29You will have a week to pay in full before it gets sold at auction.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33Obstructing their work can be a criminal offence.
0:00:33 > 0:00:34I wouldn't do that if I were you.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36The door needs to stay open.
0:00:38 > 0:00:39Every year in England and Wales
0:00:39 > 0:00:45unpaid debts totalling more than £80 million are recovered by the sheriffs.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Coming up:
0:00:50 > 0:00:56Valerie Hull spent £10,000 on a boat, only to discover it was a wreck.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01The engine was rusty and in pieces, basically.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06But the man who sold it is in no hurry to refund her cash.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Can I pay £1,000 now and pay the rest shortly?
0:01:09 > 0:01:10We have to collect that today.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17At a demolition company, Lawrence eyes up some seriously heavy goods.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20We've been sent to this address today to take control of goods
0:01:20 > 0:01:22which at the moment are the excavators and the crusher.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Ken meets a debtor with an identity crisis.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29This guy, in a roundabout way, is trying to palm me off.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33And Chris tells a wok seller it's time to pay his debt.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Tell him we're here with a High Court writ and it's for us to take
0:01:37 > 0:01:38everything out of the property.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Enforcement agents Craig Wild and Tommy Coyle are in the van
0:01:46 > 0:01:49and on the motorway before the sun is up.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52They've got a High Court writ for more than £12,000
0:01:52 > 0:01:55against a member of the public and they are on their way
0:01:55 > 0:01:56to his home address.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00It's early in the morning, it's just 7 o'clock,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03we are off to a little village which is just south of Birmingham.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05We are going to see Mr Jason Holdsworth.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10It's in relation to a boat that Mr Holdsworth sold on eBay which wasn't
0:02:10 > 0:02:12apparently fit for purpose.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15Mr Holdsworth sold the boat to Valerie Hull.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18She and her partner had their hearts set on owning a boat
0:02:18 > 0:02:22and, after months of deliberation, had decided to take the plunge.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28We had retired. It seemed a good idea to be able to go to the Tewkesbury Marina
0:02:28 > 0:02:31and have some leisure time on this boat.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35I'm not saying we'll ever go out to sea on it but it just was a nice way of
0:02:35 > 0:02:38relaxing and enjoying our retirement.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40When they found what they thought was a good deal online
0:02:40 > 0:02:44for a Crownline 250 CR, they leapt at the opportunity.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48The pictures of it were beautiful. It was in excellent condition.
0:02:48 > 0:02:49Couldn't see any fault with it,
0:02:49 > 0:02:54and at £10,000 it seemed like a really good buy.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58The seller was Jason Holdsworth and he invited them to his house
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- to talk it over. - He was a very amenable chap,
0:03:01 > 0:03:05he was lively, polite, welcomed us into his home.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08We sat down, chatted about the boat and the good condition it was in.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12But there was one problem. Mr Holdsworth said he needed a quick sale.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18He said that where it was moored, which was Cardiff Yacht Club,
0:03:18 > 0:03:23he was having to pay £150 a week for it to stay there.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26It was too far away to go and see it at short notice
0:03:26 > 0:03:28so, fearful of losing out,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31Valerie and her partner agreed to a blind purchase.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36And the arrangement was the next day, just after nine o'clock,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40I would put the money into his bank account by bank transfer
0:03:40 > 0:03:45and he would pay for having it delivered from Cardiff to Tewkesbury.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48But no sooner had Valerie stumped up the cash,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Mr Holdsworth called to change the arrangement.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55An hour later I got a phone call from Mr Holdsworth saying we couldn't
0:03:55 > 0:03:58have the boat Thursday now, it would be the following week.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02We were a little bit perplexed because we thought in that
0:04:02 > 0:04:05time limit, we could have actually gone to Cardiff and looked at it,
0:04:05 > 0:04:07but we didn't see the point,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10I'd already put the money in his bank account, so we just left it.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15The boat was delivered the following week, but Valerie was in for a shock.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17First there was the delivery.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22The company that had towed it there asked for the fee for towing it
0:04:22 > 0:04:26and we said that was part of the deal, it was a free tow.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28He went, "No, he hasn't paid us."
0:04:28 > 0:04:30And then there was the boat itself.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34It's damp, it's musty, inside the fridge it was rusty.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38All the wiring was hanging inside the boat,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41so none of the wiring was connected at all.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45The front leather seats, which in the pictures were beautiful white seats,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48were actually dark grey and torn.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51And the engine in the engine bay
0:04:51 > 0:04:54was rusty and in pieces, basically.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56It was just horrible.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00There was every indication that it had gone underwater
0:05:00 > 0:05:02at some point in its life.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06I just said, "This is not right."
0:05:06 > 0:05:10It didn't even have a propeller and it couldn't be put in the water.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13As the couple were inexperienced, they sought a second opinion.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19An engineer came, did a report for us and he said, "This engine is rusty,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23"it's not going to turn, it's never going to be any good
0:05:23 > 0:05:27"and, quite frankly, my advice is to try and get your money back
0:05:27 > 0:05:30"because it's not going to do anything, this boat, at all."
0:05:30 > 0:05:34The couple began trying to get their money back from Mr Holdsworth.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37They had hoped he would be responsive, but it wasn't to be.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43We did try various things, we went through all the right sequences,
0:05:43 > 0:05:47but even when we rang him on his mobile, he ignored us.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49He just cut us off.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52I don't even know whether he thinks in his own mind he did anything wrong.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57Court was the only option and the couple won their case when Jason didn't attend.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01But he still hasn't paid them back and, in the meantime, they are
0:06:01 > 0:06:04forking out more than £300 a month in mooring fees
0:06:04 > 0:06:08when they don't even have a usable boat.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10It's heartbreaking, really.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12We are pensioners, we are retired.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20It's an awful lot of money, perhaps not to a lot of people, I don't know,
0:06:20 > 0:06:25but to us it's an incredible amount of money to lose.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28All we can do now is leave it with the sheriffs and keep our fingers
0:06:28 > 0:06:32crossed and hope that they will be able to do something for us.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Tommy and Craig are on the outskirts of Birmingham.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46More than 60 miles from the nearest coastline, it's an unlikely location
0:06:46 > 0:06:48to find a boat dealer.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Nevertheless, it appears to be where Mr Holdsworth lives.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54They think they're on the right road,
0:06:54 > 0:06:58but there's no sign of any boats conveniently sitting on a driveway.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Also, all the houses here just seem to have numbers,
0:07:01 > 0:07:03when they have only been given a name.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05I can't see it. I think it's back there.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08But Craig thinks he's worked it out.
0:07:08 > 0:07:09It's this one here.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11So they pull up and try their luck.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Hello, sir.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Sorry to disturb you. I'm trying to find a property called The Stables.
0:07:19 > 0:07:20Any idea?
0:07:20 > 0:07:23But the man says this isn't it and he's not Jason.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29You are not him, no? This isn't The Stables?
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- Right.- But something tells Craig that the man knows more than he is
0:07:32 > 0:07:34letting on.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Cos on the back of your jacket, it's got Holdsworth.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39And that's not all.
0:07:39 > 0:07:40Sir, is Jason your son, is he,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43or summat? And this is The Stables, yeah?
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Down the bottom there, on the brick.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Craig is right on the money.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53The man shows him ID.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- Fantastic.- And he is indeed Jason's father.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01He says Jason doesn't live here and he will try to get him on the phone.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07A bit early for him, I suppose, isn't it?
0:08:08 > 0:08:10What do you do yourself?
0:08:10 > 0:08:11Construction.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Oh, right, yeah, new builds.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Craig is not getting far with his small talk and Mr Holdsworth senior
0:08:21 > 0:08:25heads off for a meeting, leaving the sheriffs alone on the driveway.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Just as they wonder what to do next, Jason appears on foot.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- Are you all right? - Hello, mate, Jason, is it?
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- Yes.- Hi, I'm Mr Wild.
0:08:36 > 0:08:37- How are you?- Not too bad.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42It's to do with a High Court writ, a court order, for...
0:08:43 > 0:08:44..Valerie Hull.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48She's obviously took a court order against you
0:08:48 > 0:08:51for some boat or something you sold.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56Jason clearly knows all about the case and invites the sheriffs in
0:08:56 > 0:08:58to explain.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04Got my solicitor to reply to the order and that's all I've heard.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Jason claims he thought the legal process wasn't over,
0:09:07 > 0:09:10but it is and the sheriffs are here to collect.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13The balance stands at the moment at just over £12,000.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15It's gone up by £2,000?
0:09:15 > 0:09:19At the moment you've incurred £1,200 enforcement fees,
0:09:19 > 0:09:23£535 judgment costs, and £129 interest.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26It's more bad news for Jason.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Sheriffs don't work for free and, by not paying the court order
0:09:29 > 0:09:32when it was due, the bill has gone up.
0:09:32 > 0:09:33Are you in a position to pay that?
0:09:33 > 0:09:36No. What happens with the boat that she's got of mine?
0:09:36 > 0:09:38It's worth 12-£15,000.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44The order that I've got at the moment is just to recover the money from you.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46When he didn't defend the case in court,
0:09:46 > 0:09:50Ms Hull was granted a default judgment and Jason lost his chance to ask
0:09:50 > 0:09:54for the return of the boat to be included on the order.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56If they want the boat, that's fine.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58I could sell the boat quite easily...
0:09:58 > 0:10:00for more than...
0:10:00 > 0:10:01..they paid. Yeah, yeah.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05Unfortunately, the court order commands us to come along today and demand
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- payment from you.- Yes.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12Ms Hull doesn't want the boat and Mr Holdsworth is welcome to it back,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14but he'll have to organise that himself.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Craig doesn't do boat delivery.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18He is just here for the money owed.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21All right, can I pay that this weekend?
0:10:21 > 0:10:23We have to collect that today.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27Um... What time?
0:10:27 > 0:10:30I can, yeah, I'm just waiting for some money to come through from another
0:10:30 > 0:10:32boat today which is 12 and a half.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- Right.- But he hasn't paid it this morning.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- Right. OK.- But I can pay it.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39I even checked this morning and it hasn't come through yet.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- Right.- So as soon as that's in, I'll pay the balance, that's fine.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Can't I pay £1,000 now and pay the rest shortly?
0:10:45 > 0:10:49Craig is not keen on vague promises of future payment,
0:10:49 > 0:10:51so Jason's dad steps in,
0:10:51 > 0:10:55offering to pay on his cards and from his savings account,
0:10:55 > 0:10:59but he'll have to make a trip to the bank when it opens in an hour or so's time.
0:11:01 > 0:11:02Craig doesn't want to wait around,
0:11:02 > 0:11:06but he's also not willing to leave without a guarantee of getting
0:11:06 > 0:11:09Valerie's money, so he comes up with a plan.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12The Stables is where you live which is just further down the lane, is it?
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- Yes.- Have you got a vehicle?
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- Yeah, I've got some cars there. - If I can list something down now,
0:11:17 > 0:11:21you sign the form, it acts as security until nine o'clock.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27Provided Jason's vehicles are worth enough, then a control of goods agreement could be the answer.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32It would effectively give the sheriffs ownership of the cars until the debt is paid off.
0:11:33 > 0:11:39Jason's house is close by and, on arrival, the sheriffs see just what they want on the driveway.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41There is his Jag there.
0:11:42 > 0:11:43A large motor, isn't it?
0:11:43 > 0:11:46The Range Rover and the pick-up behind.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48That will do.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Only one of the cars is on finance
0:11:50 > 0:11:53and the other two will do nicely.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55So Craig gets straight down to business.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58The two vehicles act as security.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02If I can get you to sign and print your name there for me.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03Sure.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07The deal is done but Jason isn't particularly happy about it.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12He still says there was nothing wrong with the boat he sold Ms Hull.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14What I think is they found out it's going to be £5,000 a year
0:12:14 > 0:12:18to keep the boat in the water and they didn't want the boat any more,
0:12:18 > 0:12:22so basically I said, "Look, if you want to bring the boat back to the yard,
0:12:22 > 0:12:24"get it delivered back to the yard on a trailer,
0:12:24 > 0:12:27"then we can have a look at obviously refunding your money."
0:12:27 > 0:12:32I didn't hear anything back from them for a few months and then got the court letter
0:12:32 > 0:12:33saying that I owed £10,500.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36I rang my solicitor, she dealt with it all,
0:12:36 > 0:12:39they've sent me a letter back to The Stables, which I haven't received.
0:12:39 > 0:12:40OK, lovely.
0:12:40 > 0:12:41Cheers.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- Cheers, guys. Take care.- Thanks for your time, mate. Take care.
0:12:44 > 0:12:50Nevertheless, the court made its decision and Jason must now pay his debt in full.
0:12:50 > 0:12:51The sheriffs are confident he will.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54I think they've got the money all day long.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56They are going to pay at ten o'clock in full.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Clearly he signed control of the goods of his vehicles over to the custody of the court
0:12:59 > 0:13:00so if they don't pay,
0:13:00 > 0:13:03we'll be back this afternoon to remove them.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Mr Holdsworth did indeed settle his bill later in the day
0:13:06 > 0:13:09and Valerie has finally got her money back.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Absolutely brilliant.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14We can now carry on with our retirement...
0:13:16 > 0:13:20..hopefully look forward to getting back on the water with another boat.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23We are just so happy we've got the money back.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27And she has some words of advice for any other prospective boat buyers.
0:13:27 > 0:13:28Don't do what we did.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Always go and view something like this before you purchase it,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33that's a definite.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36But if you do get in the same position, don't give up.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48Using the County Courts to try to recover money you are owed
0:13:48 > 0:13:52isn't difficult. 1.5 million money claims are made every year
0:13:52 > 0:13:54in England and Wales,
0:13:54 > 0:13:58involving anything from faulty goods or poor workmanship to unpaid invoices.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Claims can be filed by post or online for a small fee.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08Both parties in the case will be asked to submit evidence and you may have
0:14:08 > 0:14:10to attend a court hearing.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12If you are successful,
0:14:12 > 0:14:16a County Court judgment or CCJ will be issued against the debtor and if
0:14:16 > 0:14:19they still don't pay, that's when you call the sheriffs.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28Enforcing a writ often requires the sheriffs to draw on all of their
0:14:28 > 0:14:30powers of persuasion and negotiation.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33These tactics work best when the debtor is willing to engage in a
0:14:33 > 0:14:35meaningful dialogue.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40But occasionally, debtors simply don't want to play ball.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41In the South East today,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45sheriffs Lawrence Grix and Kev McNally are about to demonstrate that
0:14:45 > 0:14:48persistence is another useful skill to have.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51This morning we are on our way to Pyecombe in West Sussex,
0:14:51 > 0:14:53just outside Brighton.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56We're going to see Wealden Haulage & Demolition Limited.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59And this debt is relating to...
0:15:01 > 0:15:07..tipper hire charges, crushed concrete haulage, and muck away.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12In other words, waste disposal services, supplied by another company,
0:15:12 > 0:15:14who haven't been paid.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18Wealden Haulage & Demolition Limited were taken to court and didn't
0:15:18 > 0:15:21offer a defence. So judgment was entered by default.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Three months later, and they still haven't paid,
0:15:26 > 0:15:28but the sheriffs are hoping to finally make sure they do.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33They owe a total of £16,335.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39They actually operate off a farm, so we're going to go there.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42As they turn into the address,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45they immediately set eyes on a haulage truck.
0:15:45 > 0:15:46This is the right place, innit?
0:15:47 > 0:15:53They head past the farm shop and up the track towards a house.
0:15:55 > 0:15:56Hello. Hello, you two, hello!
0:15:58 > 0:15:59- Morning, sir.- Hello.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02I'm looking for Wealden Haulage & Demolition Limited.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04- That's me.- That's you.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07It's Markus Saich, the company director.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09We have a High Court writ to execute against Wealden Haulage &
0:16:09 > 0:16:14Demolition. The amount outstanding today is £16,335.99.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- Right.- We're ordered now to take control of goods to that value
0:16:18 > 0:16:19- to clear the debt.- Right.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22And the only way to prevent further action is to pay in full.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Yeah, but I've applied to the courts to have that set aside,
0:16:24 > 0:16:26and I'm waiting to hear back so...
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Right, an application doesn't stop enforcement, sir.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30I'm told... I'm told it does.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31- By a solicitor?- Yeah.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32Yeah, no, it doesn't.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Is this your private residence, or is the business actually run from here?
0:16:35 > 0:16:38The business is run from down there, this is my private residence.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Right. I'm assuming you don't want goods removed.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42No, I don't know what goods you are going to remove,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45cos there isn't anything here that isn't on HP.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50But before Lawrence can probe the details, Mr Saich simply walks off.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56It's a bizarre turn of events, but Lawrence isn't fazed.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58I'm just going to make a note of some registrations,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01then we'll go down to where the business is run from,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04because we're more likely to find some assets down there, I would think.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07The sheriffs get in the van and drive back to the farm shop,
0:17:07 > 0:17:11where it looked like Mr Saich was headed.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14As they approach, Kev thinks he spots movement inside.
0:17:14 > 0:17:15- He's in there.- What, in the shop?
0:17:15 > 0:17:16- Yeah.- Is that where he is?
0:17:16 > 0:17:17Yeah.
0:17:19 > 0:17:24But any hopes that they may have found Mr Saich soon evaporate.
0:17:24 > 0:17:25No, it's shut.
0:17:26 > 0:17:31The farm shop is locked, and there's no sign of anyone inside.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34There was someone in there, 100%, and there's no-one else around,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- is there?- No. There might be an office at the back or something.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41Lawrence has a nose around, but there's no other way in,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44and still no sign of Mr Saich.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49Their best option now to get the debt paid is to identify some company assets,
0:17:49 > 0:17:51which, on paper, should be straightforward.
0:17:51 > 0:17:57They've got fixed assets of 674 grand, or they did have in November '15.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59So they've got a hell of a lot of assets.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02The problem is, not many of them seem to be here.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05We've got 4X4s and things outside the house,
0:18:05 > 0:18:08which he's turned around and said are all on finance.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11But whether they belong to the company or not...
0:18:11 > 0:18:12There's also this tipper.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14That truck's what we need, really.
0:18:14 > 0:18:15But it's massive.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17We can't really clamp it, can we?
0:18:17 > 0:18:19No. Definitely!
0:18:19 > 0:18:22I don't think there is a clamp on the market that will get on the wheel of
0:18:22 > 0:18:26one of those. Cos that would have to go on an articulated low-loader.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30Or possibly be dragged, but if you are going to drag it,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33you've got to take all the driveshafts out.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- It's a pig of a job. - It's too much for now,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39especially because if the debtor's appeal is successful,
0:18:39 > 0:18:42then the sheriffs wouldn't be able to recover the costs.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45So with no assets and Mr Saich unwilling to cooperate,
0:18:45 > 0:18:49this time the sheriffs will have to call it quits - for now.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52We'll check out all the vehicle registrations.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55If any of them do come back to the company and they're clear of finance,
0:18:55 > 0:18:57we can come back and take them.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01So at the moment, I'm just going to leave paperwork, and that's that.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Later, the saga continues when the sheriffs pay
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Wealden Haulage & Demolition another visit.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Enforcement agent Ken Warby is no mug,
0:19:24 > 0:19:29and today his nose to sniff out a tall story is going to come in handy.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32He's on his way to Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire
0:19:32 > 0:19:34in search of a local businessman.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38We are going to visit someone called Mr Rostami,
0:19:38 > 0:19:41trading as LJ's Nightclub.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45Mr Ebi Rostami's been sued by a woman who was injured
0:19:45 > 0:19:50after slipping in his club. A court's ordered him to pay, but he hasn't,
0:19:50 > 0:19:54so it's Ken's job to collect £5,213,
0:19:54 > 0:19:57including costs and fees.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02It turns out Ken is no stranger to the nightclub scene himself.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Give me a half of shandy, and...
0:20:07 > 0:20:10I can pull a few shapes on the dance floor, absolutely.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12But sadly, we won't get to see that today,
0:20:12 > 0:20:15as it seems the nightclub has shut down.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18We was there a couple of weeks ago, and that's empty,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21so we're turning our attentions now to this new address.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25Sheriffs are permitted to visit any address where they believe
0:20:25 > 0:20:27the debtor may have assets,
0:20:27 > 0:20:31and they've been told Mr Rostami also runs a cafe.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35This second business could be the key to Ken getting his claimant's money.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38He reaches Aylesbury,
0:20:38 > 0:20:40parks up...
0:20:40 > 0:20:45and heads into town on foot, passing the nightclub on the way.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48Just checking to see no-one's moved back in there,
0:20:48 > 0:20:51but it is as it was a couple of weeks ago.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Off to the cafe, and hopefully our guy is there.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58The cafe is just down the road, and Ken heads in.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Hello. I wanted to speak to Mr Rostami.
0:21:12 > 0:21:13He's the owner, yeah?.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15I need to speak to him urgently.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Can someone get hold of him?
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Thank you.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25The barwoman heads off to see if she can track down Mr Rostami,
0:21:25 > 0:21:28and shortly afterwards a man appears from the back.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Hello.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32It's Mr Rostami I want to speak to.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Sorry, are you a... Are you a manager here?
0:21:37 > 0:21:42In fact, although Ken has no way of knowing it, this is Mr Rostami,
0:21:42 > 0:21:44and he's being somewhat economical with the truth.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51He's not here?
0:21:53 > 0:21:54Right.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Well, you need to get him on the phone,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59because I need to speak to him urgently, thank you.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Cheers.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Mr Rostami walks off, and although he doesn't know the full story,
0:22:06 > 0:22:07Ken smells a rat.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Well, this is interesting. I think this guy, in a roundabout way,
0:22:10 > 0:22:13is trying to palm me off to someone else.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18But first impressions, yeah, plenty of assets in here, so, um...
0:22:18 > 0:22:20we'll wait and see.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24One asset that particularly catches Ken's eye
0:22:24 > 0:22:26is a grand piano in the corner.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Taken a few away in my time.
0:22:28 > 0:22:29They can fetch good money,
0:22:29 > 0:22:31but they've got to be a good make.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Get the odd Steinway, they're worth quite a few grand.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Not sure what make that is.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39First impressions, it's not a Steinway.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43It's ten minutes since Mr Rostami disappeared
0:22:43 > 0:22:47before a new member of staff comes to speak to Ken,
0:22:47 > 0:22:50and now it seems the story has changed.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Right. We were informed that the guy owned this as well.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Right, OK. Did he used to own this, then?
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Right. I need to speak to the owner,
0:23:08 > 0:23:10because I've got a High Court writ of control,
0:23:10 > 0:23:14which gives me authority to remove goods from here in lieu of an
0:23:14 > 0:23:16outstanding amount that he owes.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19So you need to make some phone calls
0:23:19 > 0:23:22and get him or her down here straightaway.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25So while one staff member thinks Mr Rostami owns the cafe,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28another seems to know nothing about it.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Ken's not sure what exactly is going on,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34but he knows better than to take the barman's word for it.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36"He doesn't own this, Michelle owns this."
0:23:36 > 0:23:39Well, I'm not going to go away on that basis.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43I need to speak to the supposed owner or new owner of this place,
0:23:43 > 0:23:46and I need some proof that she is the owner here -
0:23:46 > 0:23:49bills, business rates et cetera -
0:23:49 > 0:23:52before I walk out the door without any money.
0:23:52 > 0:23:57Soon enough, a woman turns up who appears to be a manager.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59Hello.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00Are you Michelle?
0:24:06 > 0:24:10Our cameraman obliges and steps out onto the street.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Ken follows shortly afterwards,
0:24:14 > 0:24:18and it seems Michelle has told him the same thing as the barman.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21She just confirms that he shut the nightclub down, this guy,
0:24:21 > 0:24:23and he has nothing to do with this place.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26I said, "I need to see some proof that you are the sole owner of this place."
0:24:26 > 0:24:29She said, "Well, it's going through."
0:24:29 > 0:24:31And then I said, is your name on the business rates?
0:24:31 > 0:24:32She said, "No, it's still his name."
0:24:32 > 0:24:34I said, "You need to find this money and find it all,
0:24:34 > 0:24:39"because I will be removing your goods."
0:24:39 > 0:24:41So we're going to wait and see.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43She's gone to make a few phone calls.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46I'm just going to get back in there and
0:24:46 > 0:24:47tough this one out, I think.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53If Mr Rostami has indeed sold the business to this Michelle,
0:24:53 > 0:24:56it must've been fairly recently.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59There's even still a job advert in the window with his name and mobile
0:24:59 > 0:25:03number on it. Not to mention his earlier appearance behind the bar.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Ken is not going to walk away from this one in a hurry.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11And soon enough, there is an offer of payment.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15She said that she can't come up with the full amount of money but she can
0:25:15 > 0:25:20come up with £2,000 and she has offered to clear the debt in three weeks.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23So rather than shut the business down,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26which in effect is what it will do if we remove everything from there,
0:25:26 > 0:25:32I'm going to get on and do that now and hopefully that will be good enough for the client.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35The news is she is actually, um...
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Mr Rostami's ex-wife,
0:25:37 > 0:25:39so that's the connection.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43Dig a little bit deeper and we always get the truth in the end.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Ken heads back in,
0:25:46 > 0:25:51where he persuades Michelle to part with a further £213 up front,
0:25:51 > 0:25:55leaving a neat £3,000 to pay over three weeks.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Ken's confident she'll make good on her promise.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00I'm pretty sure they're going to have the funds.
0:26:00 > 0:26:01It's quite a good result, really,
0:26:01 > 0:26:03because originally I was given the story
0:26:03 > 0:26:08the guy had nothing to do with her place any more and that isn't quite the case,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11so a good result for the client, on to the next job.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17Following filming, the debt owed by Mr Rostami was paid in full.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19The young woman who was injured in LJ's nightclub
0:26:19 > 0:26:23has now got the money awarded to her by the court.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35When debtors can't pay on the spot...
0:26:35 > 0:26:37I'm assuming you haven't got £5,000.
0:26:37 > 0:26:42- Oh, dear. - ..the sheriffs won't always remove assets to get your money.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Goods go for about a fifth of their true value at auction,
0:26:45 > 0:26:48and it's often better to agree to a payment plan.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50If you can come up with half of it today...
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Do you reckon you can do 200 a week?
0:26:53 > 0:26:55They will make a list of assets...
0:26:55 > 0:26:57Ice machine, bar chiller cabinets.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Television, PlayStation.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02..and a controlled goods agreement is signed,
0:27:02 > 0:27:05making it an offence for anyone else to remove them.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09When you sign the form, it acts as security.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11The sheriffs will only return to take the goods
0:27:11 > 0:27:14if the debtor fails to make payments.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16I've signed him up for £1,000 a month.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Providing you stick to that, you won't hear from us again.
0:27:25 > 0:27:30Most of the sheriffs' cases involve enforcing judgments made in the County Courts
0:27:30 > 0:27:32as a result of money claims,
0:27:32 > 0:27:36but a small minority of the cases stem from employment tribunals,
0:27:36 > 0:27:37which are similar to courts,
0:27:37 > 0:27:42and where workers can turn if they believe they have been treated unfairly by an employer.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45About 80,000 claims are made every year,
0:27:45 > 0:27:51and if they are successful, typically the tribunal will award a financial settlement.
0:27:51 > 0:27:56It's one of these cases which this morning takes Tommy and Craig into the centre of Birmingham.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00We're off down to Green Street in B12.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Going to see a company called AJS Midlands Limited.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05The liability itself is just over £9,000,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08so it is not a small amount of money, by any stretch of the imagination.
0:28:08 > 0:28:14A tribunal has judged AJS Midlands Limited and its MD Jason King
0:28:14 > 0:28:19racially discriminated against an employee and dismissed him unfairly.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21It awarded compensation
0:28:21 > 0:28:23but, six months down the line,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25AJS still hasn't come up with the money,
0:28:25 > 0:28:29which means they now owe £9,364.
0:28:29 > 0:28:34But there has been some indication the company is willing to pay.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36The actual defendant company has been in touch
0:28:36 > 0:28:41to say they want to try and negotiate a payment plan.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43The sheriffs aren't ruling that out,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46but their writ requires them to seek full payment if they can.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50They'll only settle for less if they really have to.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53It's down to me and Tommy to go there today and find out what the
0:28:53 > 0:28:55situation really is and
0:28:55 > 0:28:59get them on a payment plan or payment in full.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01- This is Green Street.- This is it.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05So we are looking for AJS Midlands Limited.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Oh, AJS, yeah. Big place.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10The sheriffs find the address, park up and head in.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15The entrance leads them to the customer area,
0:29:15 > 0:29:18where they try to get a hearing with Mr King.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- Hello, sir.- Is the director of the company about at all?
0:29:23 > 0:29:26My name is Mr Wild, on behalf of the High Court.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30The employee goes off to speak to the boss,
0:29:30 > 0:29:34but when he returns, it seems the urgency of the sheriffs' visit has
0:29:34 > 0:29:35been lost in translation.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Is there anyone else you can get from finance or anything like that?
0:29:48 > 0:29:51Right. Ideally, we need to speak to the director.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54He won't be available, you say?
0:29:59 > 0:30:01Right.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03But production is of no concern to the sheriffs.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07Their claimant has already waited six months for his money and if this
0:30:07 > 0:30:12unscheduled visit is inconvenient, the company only has itself to blame.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14So Craig tries again.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18The issue that I've got is obviously a sensitive one.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20But it's to do with the court order.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23But if he doesn't want to see me now and get it resolved,
0:30:23 > 0:30:26then unfortunately we have to resolve it for them,
0:30:26 > 0:30:27which he wouldn't want us to do.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29So if you want to go and reiterate that to him,
0:30:29 > 0:30:33if he can give the job to somebody else of changing the tool and have a
0:30:33 > 0:30:34chat with us, that's fine,
0:30:34 > 0:30:37or if he can get in contact with the accountant we can talk to her
0:30:37 > 0:30:39as well. All right?
0:30:39 > 0:30:40Thank you very much.
0:30:45 > 0:30:46Firm but fair.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51While they wait to find out if Mr King plans to see them,
0:30:51 > 0:30:52the sheriffs weigh up their leverage.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57There aren't many assets in reception but if these products are
0:30:57 > 0:31:00manufactured here, it seems likely there will be valuable machinery
0:31:00 > 0:31:04out back. Once they have gleaned the little they can,
0:31:04 > 0:31:07Craig kills time by showing off some photos from the road.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09When you get these complicated jobs,
0:31:09 > 0:31:13you need professional people behind you.
0:31:13 > 0:31:14That's Tommy when he had hair.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17He spent a lot of time out in Thailand.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Back in my Bondi Beach days.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23- Quite the surfer dude. - Quite the surfer.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25Meanwhile, the man at reception has returned.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27He hasn't brought Mr King with him,
0:31:27 > 0:31:30but things might be moving in the right direction.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38I can. Who is going to sort it out?
0:31:38 > 0:31:39All right, OK. So,
0:31:39 > 0:31:43as you can see the director of the company might be making a payment.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47The sheriffs had been expecting the company to try to negotiate a payment plan,
0:31:47 > 0:31:52and it's not yet clear how much Mr King is planning to pay on the spot.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55When word comes back that he has made a bank transfer, Tommy calls
0:31:55 > 0:31:59- the office.- Can you check the account, please.
0:31:59 > 0:32:05Sure enough, a payment has been made and it is for the whole £9,364.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08Brilliant. Cheers, Lawrence. Bye-bye.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Yeah, all sorted. I will do you a receipt.
0:32:11 > 0:32:16Mr King may not have made an appearance but it seems with the sheriffs at reception,
0:32:16 > 0:32:18he has decided to settle the debt after all,
0:32:18 > 0:32:20much to the sheriffs' delight.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23The director said, "I can't talk to anybody at the moment."
0:32:23 > 0:32:27But we explained it was to do with the court order and I think when that information
0:32:27 > 0:32:30was relayed back to him, he knew exactly who we were, what we
0:32:30 > 0:32:32were there for and the job's a good'un.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34Yeah, it's a good result for the claimant, and for us.
0:32:34 > 0:32:39Six months after he was awarded his compensation, the worker who was the
0:32:39 > 0:32:42victim of racial discrimination and was unfairly dismissed
0:32:42 > 0:32:44has finally got the money he is owed.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59Lawrence and Kev are once again on the trail of a debt owed by
0:32:59 > 0:33:02a company called Wealden Haulage & Demolition Limited.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05They previously visited the company's registered address,
0:33:05 > 0:33:06which was on a farm.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08This is the right place, innit?
0:33:08 > 0:33:11But the director, Markus Saich, was far from helpful...
0:33:13 > 0:33:17..and the only real asset there wasn't going anywhere in a hurry.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20That will have to go on an articulated low loader.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Or possibly be dragged.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26Other vehicles seen at the site have now been confirmed as being on
0:33:26 > 0:33:30finance and further contact with Mr Saich hasn't come to much.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35The director did contact me saying that there was an order from
0:33:35 > 0:33:37the court stopping enforcement,
0:33:37 > 0:33:41but despite repeated requests he hasn't provided that.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44So as far as we're concerned this writ is still live.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48So far, they've had the doors shut in their face at every turn,
0:33:48 > 0:33:50but the sheriffs don't give up easily
0:33:50 > 0:33:52and now they've got a new lead,
0:33:52 > 0:33:56a tip-off of a site where Wealden might be operating.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00So they're going there in the hope of collecting the £19,000 now owing.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03On arrival, it appears to be
0:34:03 > 0:34:06some kind of aggregate processing facility.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09There aren't any signs mentioning the debtor company
0:34:09 > 0:34:13but Lawrence spots a man working on the site and tries his luck.
0:34:13 > 0:34:14Morning.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20I'm looking for Wealden Haulage & Demolition.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21That's you? My name's Mr Grix.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23My colleague and I are enforcement agents,
0:34:23 > 0:34:26we've got a High Court writ against Wealden Haulage & Demolition.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28We're ordered here today to take control of goods,
0:34:28 > 0:34:32which, by the looks of it, are the excavator and the crusher.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Are you able to get him on the phone?
0:34:34 > 0:34:37- Thank you very much. - The man said it's the right place
0:34:37 > 0:34:40and the machines they expected to see are here.
0:34:40 > 0:34:41So far, so good...
0:34:43 > 0:34:45..until Lawrence is handed the phone.
0:34:46 > 0:34:47Morning, sir.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52Was it you I met at the other address at your house?
0:34:52 > 0:34:54It is indeed the company director, Markus Saich.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57We've been sent to this address today, sir, to take control
0:34:57 > 0:35:01of goods which, at the moment, is the excavators and the crusher.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05Once again, Lawrence is told everything is on finance.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07Have you got paperwork to that effect?
0:35:07 > 0:35:08Are you able to get that to us?
0:35:09 > 0:35:13- You're not?- Mr Saich says if Lawrence wants the paperwork
0:35:13 > 0:35:16- he can come and get it.- Right, well, I'm not coming there, sir,
0:35:16 > 0:35:19because I'm here and I'm going to be taking these goods into control.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23I can't take them into control at your other premises, can I?
0:35:23 > 0:35:27But not only is Mr Saich refusing to bring the documents the sheriffs
0:35:27 > 0:35:28need to see,
0:35:28 > 0:35:31he's now once again claiming that enforcement action has been stopped
0:35:31 > 0:35:34by the courts. Lawrence is sceptical.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36You told me weeks ago, sir,
0:35:36 > 0:35:39there was an order from the court stopping execution.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43I've asked you repeatedly for that and you haven't provided it.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46It hasn't been stopped until you find out what's going on.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48I have a live writ.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51OK, then, sir, call the police.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53It would be far more helpful if you have got...
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Oh, there you go.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58Actually, it'd be a good thing if the police turn up now.
0:35:58 > 0:35:59That might prompt him to get down here
0:35:59 > 0:36:02and that'd be better for us. It's one of the ways we can progress
0:36:02 > 0:36:03this one at the moment.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09Otherwise, Mr Saich's reluctance to cooperate is once again leaving the
0:36:09 > 0:36:11sheriffs in a tricky position.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14If the machinery really doesn't belong to Wealden Haulage
0:36:14 > 0:36:16& Demolition Limited, then removing
0:36:16 > 0:36:19it would be a very expensive mistake.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22But it doesn't sound like the director's going to help them put
0:36:22 > 0:36:24the ownership beyond doubt.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27The director of the company doesn't really want to speak to us.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29Whenever you get a job where you can't establish some kind of
0:36:29 > 0:36:32sensible dialogue, it's really awkward to get any kind of
0:36:32 > 0:36:34resolution one way or the other.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37If the vehicles are leased from somebody, just give us the paperwork
0:36:37 > 0:36:39- and we can go away.- As it is,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42the sheriffs will have to work it out for themselves,
0:36:42 > 0:36:45so they head inside the yard for a closer look.
0:36:45 > 0:36:50But as they do, the worker present asks our camera to leave and shuts
0:36:50 > 0:36:51the gates behind him.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Seeing the chain go on, Lawrence gives the man a warning.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00I know that obviously your boss is telling you to do things but I just
0:37:00 > 0:37:02have to advise you, from your point of view,
0:37:02 > 0:37:04it is a criminal offence to obstruct us.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07So I'm just advising you on a personal level
0:37:07 > 0:37:11because I wouldn't want you doing anything that puts you personally in
0:37:11 > 0:37:14jeopardy because you're following your boss's instructions.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20The employee goes back to work while the sheriffs have a nose around.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24However, their exploration of the site reveals nothing beside
0:37:24 > 0:37:26the huge amounts of concrete
0:37:26 > 0:37:29and no further clues to the ownership of the machines.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33There's a building next to the yard with another company's name over the
0:37:33 > 0:37:36door, so Kev heads in to ask what, if anything,
0:37:36 > 0:37:40they can tell the sheriffs about the crusher and the diggers.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42He soon returns with news.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- That crusher's financed and it's owned by this lot.- Yeah.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47But he got his boss on the phone and he was like, "Yeah, no, no,
0:37:47 > 0:37:51- "it's definitely ours." And they've got no reason to...- No.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54Meanwhile, Lawrence has made a discovery of his own.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58One of the two diggers has broken down on top of a pile of aggregate.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03They began the day hoping to walk out of here with nearly £20,000,
0:38:03 > 0:38:05but that now looks like a tall order.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09# Don't know where we're going Got no way of knowing
0:38:09 > 0:38:11# Driving on the road to nowhere. #
0:38:11 > 0:38:15Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do because the one digger is
0:38:15 > 0:38:18immobile with a knackered engine,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21the crusher we've already confirmed belongs to someone else and the
0:38:21 > 0:38:24digger's in use and we can't take something into control
0:38:24 > 0:38:26if it's actually in use at the time,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29and he's still adamant that it's leased from somebody.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32More than two hours after they arrived, and with no sign
0:38:32 > 0:38:33of the police,
0:38:33 > 0:38:36Lawrence eventually gets a call from the debtor's solicitor,
0:38:36 > 0:38:38who's only just been instructed.
0:38:38 > 0:38:43They say they'll need a few days to collect the relevant paperwork.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46Frustrated, but with no leverage to demand payment,
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Lawrence has no choice but to agree.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52If you're actually going to cooperate, which I imagine you will,
0:38:52 > 0:38:53and deal with this in a sensible manner,
0:38:53 > 0:38:56rather than just being obstructive like your client,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59I'll give you till close of business on Monday to get the paperwork over.
0:38:59 > 0:39:00And then I'm quite happy to leave it.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03Otherwise, I'll be back and I will remove it.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05But it never comes to that.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09Following filming, Wealden Haulage & Demolition Limited paid the sheriffs
0:39:09 > 0:39:13just over £19,000, clearing their debt in full.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17The waste disposal company which hadn't been paid
0:39:17 > 0:39:19has now got the money they were owed.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33As night falls in the northeast,
0:39:33 > 0:39:36sheriff Chris Pearson is on his way to enforce a debt owed
0:39:36 > 0:39:40- by a watch seller. - The monies are outstanding for
0:39:40 > 0:39:44a watch which I believe was purchased online, a Rolex watch,
0:39:44 > 0:39:46and the goods were not received.
0:39:46 > 0:39:51The claimant bought the Rolex from a business trading as Watchwiseuk
0:39:51 > 0:39:55in Huddersfield. After the item didn't arrive they filed a money
0:39:55 > 0:39:59claim against the limited company, Watchwise Associates Limited,
0:39:59 > 0:40:04and a man they believe to be its director, a Mr John Barker.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06The case wasn't defended in court,
0:40:06 > 0:40:10so judgment was issued by default and now Mr Barker and Watchwise
0:40:10 > 0:40:16Associates Limited owe £5,980.
0:40:16 > 0:40:17We are trying to locate the business address.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20Unfortunately it's been to no end,
0:40:20 > 0:40:23so we're looking now primarily at his residential address,
0:40:23 > 0:40:28just on the off chance that maybe he's still trading from home
0:40:28 > 0:40:31and there may be sufficient assets there.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33Chris approaches the address,
0:40:33 > 0:40:37hoping that Mr Barker will be in and the debt can be resolved.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52Hello, mate. I'm looking for John Barker, please.
0:40:52 > 0:40:53Yes, please, yeah.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57Is it possible to get him on the phone for me?
0:40:57 > 0:40:59It's High Court enforcement. I need to speak to him quite urgently.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01Yeah, it's quite urgent, sir.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05A young man has answered the door and says he'll get Mr Barker
0:41:05 > 0:41:06on the phone.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13But Mr Barker, it seems,
0:41:13 > 0:41:16isn't understanding the seriousness of the situation.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21He needs to deal with it right now, mate.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26Yeah, it's... Do you know the watch business he had?
0:41:26 > 0:41:27It's something to do with that, mate.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36Chris is indeed given Mr Barker's number and rings it.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38But Mr Barker doesn't pick up.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42Chris is beginning to run out of patience.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45Right, not answering. What you need to do, mate,
0:41:45 > 0:41:50tell him we're here with a High Court writ and it's for us to take
0:41:50 > 0:41:53everything out the property. So he needs to answer the phone, mate.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57However, the man instead calls Mr Barker's son, Gary,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00who's apparently also involved in the watch business
0:42:00 > 0:42:02and who arrives almost instantly.
0:42:04 > 0:42:05Is this the gentleman now, is it?
0:42:05 > 0:42:07Are you Gary?
0:42:07 > 0:42:10If you can, mate. Come on inside, Gary.
0:42:10 > 0:42:11Gary heads inside with Chris,
0:42:11 > 0:42:15where he explains that Watchwise Associates Limited is going into
0:42:15 > 0:42:18liquidation and also that his father, John,
0:42:18 > 0:42:21retired from the company more than a year ago.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26Gary says it was him that sold the missing Rolex watch
0:42:26 > 0:42:30and wants to clear the debt. He makes an offer of a payment plan
0:42:30 > 0:42:33and, after checking out the assets in the house, Chris leaves.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38As expected, there wasn't a great deal of goods on the property,
0:42:38 > 0:42:39just general household items.
0:42:39 > 0:42:44There's two suites in there, television, PlayStation,
0:42:44 > 0:42:45just normal items, really.
0:42:45 > 0:42:46Nothing of any great value.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49And they have agreed to set an arrangement up of £300
0:42:49 > 0:42:51a month to clear the debt.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53Now, because there's insufficient assets on the property,
0:42:53 > 0:42:55and I have checked the property out,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58I think we need to accept that for now.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01It's going to be set at that and if it can be pushed on there'll be an
0:43:01 > 0:43:04increased offer within a couple of months.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08Following filming, the claimant rejected the offer of £300 a month,
0:43:08 > 0:43:11preferring the debt to be paid off quicker.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14So far, no money has been received from either of the Barkers
0:43:14 > 0:43:17and the sheriffs plan to make a return visit.