Small Claims Advice

StevenH123 · 12 November 2019 at 4:16PM

I was wondering if anyone had any advice, or has been through something similar, regarding a rogue plumber…

To cut a long story short, I paid some money up front (I know, I know!) for materials and labour and he did a runner. I am now £750 down. After speaking to Citizens Advice, I sent the required letters and took him to the small claims court.

I have had judgement issued on him, and I now need to choose which method to enforce that payment:
• warrant of control
• attachment of earnings order
• third party debt order
• charging order

Or if I have no info about the defendants finances, I can ‘order to obtain information’, which includes the order being handed to the defendant personally (or paying an agent to do this).

I paid for a ‘Trust’ online search and found out he has another judgement for £2.5k against his name which he hasn’t paid.

I suppose my main question is it worth pursuing and paying out more cash for the next stage?
I know he’s crooked, I know he knows how to play the game, I know he’s going to say he has no money, I know he could potentially get aggressive. Everything seems to be in his favour to walk away with my money and it's driving me insane!

Any thoughts/ideas/help much appreciated!

Thank you
Steven

NB. I paid him the money through bank transfer. I have invoices and receipts from him. I was told I might be able to claim back through the bank system but don't think I can after researching.