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I returned home today after a distressed call from my 15yr old son. He has severe anxiety and claustrophobia and hasn't left the apartment in over 18 months, not even to attend a school. I returned to find him huddled up in a ball on the floor and rocking/shaking and crying. The neighbours told me that someone had been hammering on the door with their fists. They've left a letter; a removal notice from Maratons? I have never heard of these people? I called the company and they said its a debt for £1,190.00 from an unpaid tv licence fine from September 2006? I asked if this can be paid in installments (still in shock myself).. And they said that any repayments arrangements can only be made with the visiting officer. So I called the officer, she insists that it has to be paid "in full" and states that on the 17th of April this year that a distress warrent was issued and that it could not be changed. I asked if I could contact the court to ask for my income to be taking into account and she says that that's not possible. I was told to ask my friends and family to help me? I have no family! Only my two young sons.. Please, can someone tell me where I stand? I'm at a loss here and scared to leave my sons on their own to return to work for my late shift tonight now.
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Re: Marstons!
It is almost certain that the Marstons moron has added spurious and/or "up-front" fees to the debt, as the most they may lawfully charge is £85 admin and £215 for attendance. When the Courts Service agreed those fees, they probably thought they were sufficiently generous to preclude fees being charged unfairly but, if they did, they failed to allow for the avarice of bailiffs who are almost always liars.
Can you recall being fined, or how much the fine actually was? -
Re: Marstons!
I vaguely remember the knock on the door from the tv licence officer back in 2005 but later that year I moved some 300 miles south so today is the next I've heard about it all. They say it went to court in Sept 2006.Originally posted by CleverClogs View PostComment
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Re: Marstons!
Every time I think it can't get any worse it just doesComment
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Re: Marstons!
TV Licensing officials are actually Capita self employed salespeople, and rely on people incriminating themselves at the doorstep. Do you remember anything about the visit 7 years ago? They have secured convictions by deception on people who have no TV and even people with a VALID TV Licence as the "Officer"
made things up.Comment
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Re: Marstons!
It is my understanding, bb, that Capita/TVL got caught trying to mislead a court about an alleged TV licence defaulter and were forced to withdraw proceedings very quickly. In the case of the OP this thread relates to, I would like to know the following -
1. Did the OP inform Capita/TVL they had moved?
2. Did the OP receive a court summons?
3. Did the OP know the matter had gone to court in the first place?
4. Did the OP receive a Further Steps Notice?
5. Were the OP's means examined?
If the answer to any or some of the above questions is "No", then something has gone badly wrong somewhere. If the OP could answer the questions, it will be easier to advise on the most appropriate course of action.Life is a journey on which we all travel, sometimes together, but never alone.Comment
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Re: Marstons!
looks like Op moved pre summons and as Crapita have a kangaroo system where the magistrate nods them through like guilty by post police tickets, they got the conviction, TV Tax needs abolishing, in fact it was the main reason women went to jail in the late 20th Century, non payment of TV license fines by single parents on benefits.....Comment
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Re: Marstons!
If the OP did not know about the court hearing or fine until Marstons turned up, they need to contact the court that imposed the fine and make arrangements to swear a Statutory Declaration. If their means have not been examined, R -v- South Western Magistrates (on the application of Purnell) will apply. This was a Judicial Review (JR) where it was confirmed, along with other matters, that a fine cannot be imposed or enforced if a defendant's means have not been examined. As the JR was made by the High Court, the ruling is binding on the lower courts.Last edited by bluebottle; 15th May 2013, 20:43:PM.Life is a journey on which we all travel, sometimes together, but never alone.Comment
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Re: Marstons!
You in the Hastings area by any chance?Comment
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Re: Marstons!
Agreed BB, as Op knew nothing until the Marstons plonker turned up with an outrageous demand, a Stat Dec would be the way forward.Comment
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Re: Marstons!
That thought had also occurred to me...Originally posted by Somecamel View Post
She is still listed on the Bailiff Register.
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Re: Marstons!
Thank you for taking the time to reply...Originally posted by bluebottle View Post
1. No, I didn't inform them of the move. I moved within a few weeks of the initial knock on the door.
2. No, There was no summons at my new address (I have moved three times in the last 7yrs due to work and my sons health issues.
3. So, No I had no idea that this had gone to court at all, until this morning, some 7 yrs later!
4. No Further steps notice was received as a consequence of (1.).
5. Yet again, no..
Sorry for the delay in my reply as I had to return to work but I'm so grateful for any advice in this matter.Comment
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Re: Marstons!
If it does come to that, bb, I will email Gareth Hughes and make him aware of it. If there is any question as to the lawfulness of the conviction and subsequent imposition of the fine and enforcement, I am happy to help the OP deal with HMCTS Enforcement.Life is a journey on which we all travel, sometimes together, but never alone.Comment
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Re: Marstons!
Who is "she"?Originally posted by Lilacdreams View Post
Tell me in a private message if you'd rather not post her name here.Comment
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