Left with friend

[mott999]

Hi,, I am not sure which category this comes under....
I left my son's canoe in a friends garden. On returning to collect it,, he told me he had advertised it on facebook and given it away. He had allegedly been told I had turned up at a neighbours, drunk, falling over and telling them to burn my stuff (all totally untrue!) He then disposed of it. He had my phone number and could have called me. He will not tell me where it went, even with a facebook message trail to follow. I am incandescent with rage, especially as it belonged to my son and was nearly new (about £600!) What can I do? Any help short of holding his children to ransom, would be appreciated. Thanks, Martyn

[des8]

You (or your son) could initiate a court claim for its return or its value.

[mott999]

Hi,, I am not sure which category this comes under....
I left my son's canoe in a friends garden. On returning to collect it,, he told me he had advertised it on facebook and given it away. He had allegedly been told I had turned up at a neighbours, drunk, falling over and telling them to burn my stuff (all totally untrue!) He then disposed of it. He had my phone number and could have called me. He will not tell me where it went, even with a facebook message trail to follow. I am incandescent with rage, especially as it belonged to my son and was nearly new (about £600!) What can I do? Any help short of holding his children to ransom, would be appreciated. Thanks, Martyn

Is this legally theft?
What would be the basis of a court action?
Thanks, Martyn

[mott999]

Is this legally theft?
What would be the basis of a court action?
Thanks, Martyn

[des8]

Could well be classed as theft as defined in Theft Act 1968.

However do you want him punished by a criminal court (in which case report to the police and see if they charge him) or do you want to recover the value of the canoe?
If the latter you will have to initiate a civil claim in the county courts on the basis your ex friend wrongly interfered your property.
Your claim would be based on common law or The Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 .

Before starting any action however you should ascertain if he has any means of paying you when you win!

[mott999]

Hi,, I am not sure which category this comes under....
I left my son's canoe in a friends garden. On returning to collect it,, he told me he had advertised it on facebook and given it away. He had allegedly been told I had turned up at a neighbours, drunk, falling over and telling them to burn my stuff (all totally untrue!) He then disposed of it. He had my phone number and could have called me. He will not tell me where it went, even with a facebook message trail to follow. I am incandescent with rage, especially as it belonged to my son and was nearly new (about £600!) What can I do? Any help short of holding his children to ransom, would be appreciated. Thanks, Martyn

Seem to muck up order of posts. Apologies
Yes he has the means
I just want the canoe back; he can easily trace the transaction. I will send him stroppy letter with relevant acts and see if that works. Thanks, DesB!