Sole Trader Pressuring for payment

[H20]

Hello everyone,

I'm in a dispute with the police on if a sole traders actions are criminal or civil. This is a very basic summary. They were employed to do two jobs, both have problems, but one of them was clearly not done. It was to repair a wall. But if you push the mortar it just falls out. They have agreed it wasn't done correctly and offered to come and do it again. I've refused this offer as they are clearly dishonest.

Anyway, despite this (and other issues) they are pursuing me for full payment. I've said I will get the work done by someone else and deduct the cost. But no, they were at my house next day, despite me telling them not to come, and refusing to leave. The day before they were pressuring me on the phone to pay. The police were called and they are not interested, despite me being a very vunrable person. So I just spoke to the supervising sergeant and according to his google search he did while on the phone, its a civil matter. I keep telling him I feel threatened, and the fitter keeps messaging me. There are lots of lies in the emails they are sending but no direct threat. But them just sending them is very threatening especially as they have already been to the house.

Also they have threatened legal action. I've told them I'm more than happy for this to go ahead. They clearly are not going to take legal action, so again today I get another email. I've told them 10+ times to not contact me. The police are literally not doing anything. Where do I stand? My research says it doesn't matter if the bases for criminal activity is civil, its still a criminal offence. Thanks you for any help, this is very stressful.

[echat11]

Keep a diary of 'threatening behaviour', visits, phone calls, emails etc.

Contact your local councillor who can be made aware of the situation and speak to the police.

Email and post a letter to the firm / workman disputing the amount owed and workmanship on the wall.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/co...-quality-work/

[islandgirl]

The dispute is absolutely civil - the harrassment is potentially criminal. Get a doorbell camera or an internal camera and film them. Next time tell the Police it is harassment. Write as suggested by Echat - I would add that you will only accept communication by post.

[PallasAthena]

You said you are a vulnerable person. What is your vulnerability?

Have you told the police IN WRITING why you are a vulnerable person?

Have you told the contractor IN WRITING why you are vulnerable?

[efpom]

This may be in play:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1970/31/section/40

[H20]

You said you are a vulnerable person. What is your vulnerability?

Have you told the police IN WRITING why you are a vulnerable person?

Have you told the contractor IN WRITING why you are vulnerable?

Hi Thanks for the reply. I was due to have major brain surgery yesterday but it was cancelled for 3rd time. I could be more explicit in explaining, so will add this. Thank you

[H20]

This may be in play:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1970/31/section/40

That is very interesting thank you. I couldn't believe his reference source was a google search of the citizens advice, and he was a sergeant. It doesn't give you confidence.

[echat11]

I suppose 'The Peelers' (not a reference to potatoes) in the 1900's didn't have the luxury of Google to fight crime, but they did have 'Whistles' (not a reference to suits)!