Crime ref no. and Civil small claims court cases

Vraja211

Hi there,

Can a claimant list a crime ref no. as proof that the criminal owes them money? I thought civil cases and criminal cases do not mix hence listing a crime ref no. in a small claims particulars of claim is irrelevant?

cheers

mrsb83_2

The civil and criminal courts are separate, but that doesn't mean that they have to pretend the other doesn't exist.

A crime reference number obviously isn't proof of money owed, but depending on the circumstances of the claim it might be relevant information.

NeverAgain_2

More details needed, but you are right a criminal conviction of itself is not proof of a debt.

But it can be strong supporting evidence.

For example, if you have pleaded guilty to theft of Ford Mondeo index no: AB11 ABC, and the car's never been seen again, the owner of that car could cite the conviction as strong supporting evidence in a civil compensation claim against you for its value.