Some help please

[shearerlad]

Looking for some advice from the TFF collective.

A few years ago I did some work for a guy but I still haven’t been paid.

He is based in one of the southern counties of England, so I drove a round trip of over 1000 miles, so fuel and wear on my vehicle and the wearing parts of my tools that I used during my time there. Also the living expenses are higher living away from home.

During the 3 weeks I had a number of compliments from him and his customers about the high standard of my work.
When the work was completed, we checked the work sheets to make sure that both his and mine balanced. He wrote a cheque for the agreed amount and handed it over with an handshake, another compliment about my work and an offer of work the following year.

I drove home and banked the cheque on Monday morning, by Thursday is back in the mail with a red stamp saying PAYMENT STOPPED. I tried numerous times to phone and text him but no reply.

What do I do?

 

[Zippy768]

How many years ago?

 

[willy]

Small claim court?

 

[spin cycle]

forget it IMO...it's been to long....you havn't missed it....JMO sorry

 

[shearerlad]

2008.

I’ve got an order through the small claims but not getting anywhere.

TBH the money, although it would be great to get it, isn’t the main issue. It’s the principle of it. I worked for him, worked hard too I’ll add, and in good faith that I would get paid.

 

[delilah]

What do I do?

name him on here. Just for the satisfaction.

 

[Zippy768]

2008.

I’ve got an order through the small claims but not getting anywhere.

TBH the money, although it would be great to get it, isn’t the main issue. It’s the principle of it. I worked for him, worked hard too I’ll add, and in good faith that I would get paid.

11 years ago? Let it go.
Should of pursued earlier

 

[Exfarmer]

Stopping a cheque for no good reason is illegal. I fear you may have left it too long if you want the police to do anything. I would go small claims as long as there is no time limit

 

[shearerlad]

11 years ago? Let it go.
Should of pursued earlier

Stopping a cheque for no good reason is illegal. I fear you may have left it too long if you want the police to do anything. I would go small claims as long as there is no time limit

I’ve got an order against him, problem being that in England the order has to be hand delivered and signed for by the debtor unlike up here where it can be put through the door.

 

[Shutesy]

Why the heck have you waited almost 11 years!!!

 

[connor454545]

Just a thought. As its taken 10 years would it not be the case that it falls under the Limitation Act 1980? http://www.mycreditcontrollers.co.uk/Articles/how-long-will-unpaid-invoice-remain-valid.html

 

[An Gof]

11 years do you know if he is still in business?
You’re not in a strong position. Free advice from CAB perhaps?

 

[shearerlad]

Iirc small claims order lasts 30 years. Happy to be corrected if I’m wrong.

The order was started within a couple of months of the cheque being stopped. I’ve certainly not waited 11 years to start chasing this up!

 

[Agri Spec Solicitor]

These facts are not complete and it is difficult to see exactly how far the process has gone.
There may well be limitation problems.
I suggest you consult a debt recovery solicitor in the country where you have the order.
Debts should be collected as soon as your credit period has passed, they never improve with keeping.

 

[YorkshireAndrew]

Over six years & it’s time barred , basically meaning that you have no claim on your debt .

 

[Dolomite]

I’ve got an order against him, problem being that in England the order has to be hand delivered and signed for by the debtor unlike up here where it can be put through the door.

Start a winding up order? Usually makes them pay up or start playing ball.

 

[Northeastfarmer]

11 years ago...he might of snuffed it by now

 

[Dry Rot]

Stopping a cheque for no good reason is illegal. I fear you may have left it too long if you want the police to do anything. I would go small claims as long as there is no time limit

But is crime time limited? I'm not so sure that it is. Report to plod and get an incident number. Then stand back and see what happens. If they say it's been too long, mumble about the complaints procedure and ask for the appropriate complaints form? Has this gone through court and has there been a decision? Send in the bailiffs? Escalate to the High Court? There are solicitors who will give advice for free.

I feel bound to say this sounds like one of those questions they ask at college!

 

[Kiwi Pete]

Over six years & it’s time barred , basically meaning that you have no claim on your debt .

But you can still hope an anvil drops on him.
Or a piano!

 

[nick...]

Sell the dept
Nick...