Court fine/Bailiff advice, if you would be so kind.

Alantylermorgan

Good morning everyone, I was just wondering if anyone could offer me a little bit of advice. I knwo you will have all heard this story a 1'000 time sbefore, I had a Tv License Court fine for £180, which was passed to Marstons and they have pursued me for £480, with their fees. I had various correspodence with them, needless to say they conformed to all the usual stereotypes, bullying, harrasment, I offered to make the full payment in two payments a week apart, this was rejected.

So I spoke to the national debt advice line and they advised me to make a payment to them via there automated service regardless of the fact they refused it. So, I made a payment of £161, thinking I would pay it in 3 installments, I was due to make my next £160 payment today and a letter from the original magistrates court has turned up saying they have recieved the £161 payment and I need to pay £19 to clear the debt.

I spoke to the court and she said I owe £19 only and if a Bailiff turns up tell them it's paid, obviously this is delightful news but I'm somewhat aprehensive and confused how I've come to this juncture, which leads me to what I'm asking really. Now I've paid the £19 to the court do I still have to pay the Bailiff fees ?? I must add I made a complaint about there treatment to myself and I had correspondence from them saying they have acknowldeged it etc, but didn't feel it was justified. I heard nothing from them after that, is it possible it was returned to the court ??

I cannot express my gratitude enough for anyone who has taken the time to read this and can possibly offer me some input/advice, many, many thanks,

Alan.

Superfandango

When you have paid a court fine, the law says any distress warrant ceases to have effect. Part 52.8(5) of the Criminal Procedure Rules 2013. You can even ask the court for a certificate of satisfaction.

It is becoming more commonplace for bailiff companies to threaten you with enforcement action - even with police attendance after you have already paid your file in full at court and you have the receipt or a certificate of satisfaction.

The Court Service confirm they do not enforce payment of fees for a private company. Therefore any fee dispute is a civil matter.

If a bailiff turns up looking for fees then UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES must you open the door, you are best not answering the door at all even if the hammering becomes intensified.

You can just tell them to quietly leave the premises, they will probably refuse but under no circumstances must you open that door! NOT EVEN if the police are called and threaten you with "cuffs" and "locksmiths".