Marston group

crabyducky

Hi all need some advice.

Had a fine of £275.00. At the end August, beginning of September.

As IM on JSA the court said I could pay £10 PW I payed the first payment but it was a week late due to me receiving the letter about the fine and amount to be paid unbeaten pay days. I then recurved a letter from the court saying I was behind and needed to pay up, which I did a couple of days later.

However I have missed the last few payments as I have been having problems with my bank and a company taking direct debuts early.

Last week I recurved a letter from Marston saying they are in possession of a magistrates court order for non payment, and demanding payment in full upfront.
I phones them up and explained my situation, that I wanted to set up a payment plan to sort the debt, but they refused to set up the plan unless I made a payment of £50.00. When explained I couldn't afford this as it was almost a weeks money the person on the phone said it was that or have the valida visit. I tried offering £20.00 but they said that wouldn't be enough to set up the plan or stop bailiffs, but they would still accept payment.

A friend offered to help.me out but was only able to help me this week. Marston agreed to put my account on hold till this Thursday so I could gather the money for the payment plan, (£20.00 from me £30.00 from friend). Well my friend couldn't help me today so all I have is £25.00.

Is there anyway I can ask the court to take payments instead of having to pay Marston? If not what can I do to sort this out, I don't have enough money to pay the amount the bailiffs are asking for original fine + £85.00 compliance few + £215.00 attendance few.

HappyMJ

You can ask the court's fines officer. Make up a SOA statement of affairs showing your income and outgoings. Show very little excess cash (which won't be hard on JSA) and they will make a low order for repayment..they can be negotiated with but you must accept something. They do not want to commit you to prison. I currently pay £10 per month towards court fines based on JSA income.

peter_the_piper

Two Marstons in one day? Can you please say if this is for a parking issue. just say yes if it is, don't disclose if its not.

crabyducky

ok spoke to the court nothig they can do, apparently as they have sold the debt to marstons.

off i go to sell my xbox (my only possession worth anything)so i ca pay the £50.00

peter_the_piper wrote: »

Two Marstons in one day? Can you please say if this is for a parking issue. just say yes if it is, don't disclose if its not.

no its not parking.

Sirdan

crabyducky wrote: »

ok spoke to the court nothig they can do, apparently as they have sold the debt to marstons.

off i go to sell my xbox (my only possession worth anything)so i ca pay the £50.00

no its not parking.

I find that very hard to believe . Surely Magistrates Courts don't sell their fines as debts to privateeers.

With the exception of parking I would expect Magistrates fines to be covered by criminal law, so that would allow them to issue a summons or warrant for "non payment of fine" if the balliff action were unsucessful .

You need to get proper legal advice methinks.

crabyducky

Sirdan wrote: »

I find that very hard to believe . Surely Magistrates Courts don't sell their fines as debts to privateeers.

With the exception of parking I would expect Magistrates fines to be covered by criminal law, so that would allow them to issue a summons or warrant for "non payment of fine" if the balliff action were unsucessful .

You need to get proper legal advice methinks.

But I don't want the bailiffs to turn up at all.

hallowitch

go to the court and ask for a means hearing ask them to take payments direct from your benefits

the court did not sell your debt to marstons

marstons are enforcing the debt on behalf of the court

Sirdan

crabyducky wrote: »

But I don't want the bailiffs to turn up at all.

Which is why you need proper advice and then you need to get in touch with someone at the court who knows what they are talking about and does not fob you off with duff info.

esmerobbo

Problem is Marstons can hand it back to the courts as a can not pay but they lose their fee's so they wont be in a hurry too do that.

http://www.bailiffadviceonline.co.uk/ is your best bet.

crabyducky

Hi again all.

Sorry to drag this back up but thought it would be better to use this old topic than start another.

My situation so far. Tried the courts, and I miss heard them they hadn't sold the debt on, but passed it on to bailiffs. Tried CAB, Sibylline and such none of who we're much use.

Over xmas I have been given enough, when put together with my own little amount I have been saving to pay, to be able to pay the outstanding amount of the fine. But not the bailiff fees.

I went to the local court today to try and pay, which they we're happy to accept until I mentioned the bailiffs. Then was told I couldn't pay as they won't be able to process the payment, ( as it has been passed to the bailiffs).

And the bailiffs of course will only accept full payment.

I asked the court again for a means tested hearing. To which I was told I need to be classed as vulnerable, explained that being on JSA, and suffering from depression and anxiety I am vulnerable. They offered me a hearing bit only if I can provide a doctors note, which would.prove this. However that is another cost that I would then be paying out.

Is there a way to pay the court such as over the internet that would clear the fine and so close the account??

Coupon-mad

No. You can't just try and pay a lower amount and bury your head in the sand about the bailiff costs. Not saying you have to pay them but I am saying you must do what the Court suggested - they offered you a hearing and you are nearly there.

For the sake of a tenner or whatever the GP might charge (and some will still do it for free) get that letter and make sure it states everything relevant about your vulnerability. Then you get a means tested hearing, it seems.

You have no alternative do you? Ask your GP what it would cost but explain the circs, maybe they will waive the charge, maybe it will be minimal. Make a GP's appointment now, costs you nowt but then you will know how much it will cost and may even come out clutching that letter.