Marston Group - Unpaid Fine

nelsonmcfly

Hey everybody,

Sorry to bother you all but the site was recommended regards to dealing with Marston Group.

Here's my story, any help would be really greatly appreciated. Apologies in advance if my waffle doesn't make sense.

I'm currently being pursued by the Marston Group in relation to a fine that is outstanding. I originally owed £2500 (for a Criminal Offence) and now owe around £1600. I had to make payments of £100 a month from around the start of 2010.

Unfortunately due to losing my job and being made redundant I fell behind with payments. As it was a goverment issued fine, they have now passed it on to this Marston Group who are demanding immediate payment of the £1650 (plus their fee).

I received a letter from Marston on the 16th of March and contacted them immediately to try and sort something out.

They said they'd initially be willing to take a downpayment of £517 and then the remainder would need to be paid with 30 days.

Needless to say I can't pay this as I've only just secured a new job and will get my first pay packet at the end of the month (March).

I rang/emailed again today aware that the '7 days' had passed from the date of the letter and told them I was unable to pay the monies but would be willing to pay £300-400 at the start of next month when I get paid and then go from there.

They said this would not suffice and that it had already been passed to the bailiffs and I could have a visit from one imminently. She told me on the phone to explain my situation to the bailiff when they called round and that it was in there hands.

As it's a fine issued by the government for an offence I did commit I really want to pay what is owed but I need them to be realistic with me. I struggled to pay the £100 a month so can't just pay the full amount all of a sudden.

I live in rented accommodation and the only objects of real value are my laptop (probably worth only a few hundred pounds maximum) and the landlady's fridge. Apart from that all the things I own are of little value. A very old bulky TV, a knackered Playstation2 and then just the general stuff like clothes etc. But like I say hardly any value in these items.

I can't go back to the Court/District who issued the fine as they just say it's now in the hands of the bailiffs. It would be much easier if I could deal with them but I guess there's no way to reverse the progress?

Do you have any advice for my situation. Like I say I'm willing to sort it out but all I've heard are horror stories about Marston and the lengths they go to to obtain the money or get access to my property.

Thanks a million in advance.

Tixy

Hi

Is this classed as a magistrates court fine do you know (I assume it is).
If so I would start by having a read of this - http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/factsheet.php?page=13_magistrates_court_fines It mentions about bailiffs agreeing or not agreeing to installments etc.

You might also want to contact national debtline for advice.

Another source of info that might be helpful is the bailiffadviceonline website, which is run by a poster here who is very experienced in dealing with bailiffs.

Hopefully others will have more advice for you soon...