small claims court

[lizzydrippin]

What happens if a plaintiff wins a case in small claims court (�80 for criminal damage) and the defendent still doesnt pay up?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

then the court should instuct a bailiff to remove goods to the value

[lizzydrippin]

Thanks Normanthedog (are you a dog by the way?).
I dont suppose the court pays the �80 and then the defendent has to re-imburse the court. That would be good!

[Ethel]

You have to apply for an enforcement order - and pay up front.

If the enforcement is successful you get this money back, but otherwise you lose it.

There are various ways this judgement can be enforced - the court will be very helpful and tell you the options, but will not advise you which one is best in your case.

�80 will probably be best recovered by the bailiff, or if the defendant is working you can get an attachment of earnings. This means the money will be stopped from his wages and his employer will know there is a judgement against him.

There are many other options, but these two are the most relevant, in my opinion.

[Loosehead]

Further to what Ethel says the Bailiffs will also add their own costs so the fear of this will hopefully induce payment. It's not unusual for a small amount like �80 to rapidly become hundreds.