Debt Collector Letter - Advice Needed (Hope this is the right section...)

Hi Guys,

I've just come back from holiday and received a letter from Lowells on behalf of Vodafone demanding payment in excess of £900 for a contract which I had over the period of 6/7 years.

Basically, to cut a long story short; during a silly part of last 2016 I left my job after many years and began looking for a new career. I became very disillusioned and ended up getting myself arrested (nothing serious; no charges came from it). However, the police kept my phone as evidence.

Whilst I was bailed, they informed me they needed to keep my phone for further enquiries (I was a bit annoyed, as I couldn't even have my SIM, but knew nothing would come of it).

Eventually the situation ended up as NFA. They told me I'd receive a call on when I'd get my phone back.

So...I waited...and waited. Gave it a week, tried to contact the station. They said they'd get back to me via e-mail or a member of family's number which I supplied. Another week passed, nothing. In this time, I'd spoken to Vodafone and let them know the situation, as the phone bill hadn't been paid (no work - had just secured a new job, so arranged a payment plan once I'd received my handset/SIM).

Another week passed, and I tried to contact the officer directly after finding out where he was based. Each time I was told he was off shift, and left messages. I e-mailed, I even e-mailed the MET a complaint directly and have heard nothing back.

Where do I stand for this? As Vodafone are demanding payment for the remainder of the contract, which by the amount I'd imagine is 14 months? Do I actually have a leg to stand on here?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

(PS - Any way I can change my damn username?!)

Scott