I had a visit in September 2013 as my direct debit to them ran out in June, and I hadn't paid since. Previously (5 years) they had got their money via DD. So the guy was really nice asked me about the stuff on the form and had a handheld machine with him and set me up a direct debit there and then. He said it would take until at least next month to start, and everything was now sorted. He asked me to sign the form to say he'd been, he never asked or mentioned that I should have read it. Only after he went did I notice the caution section (He had the form folded in two the whole time).

So today I got a summons, I admit I should have looked out for the DD, but to be honest £15 a month wouldn't have been noticed. Can the summons hold up if I wasn't cautioned (I have a witness). Also he told me he had set up the DD and that would be that?

Can I plead not guilty on these grounds? - surely if I wasn't cautioned then the interview shouldn't have been continued. I could ask the interviewer to attend as a witness - maybe that would have put them off.

You have been conned into signing the form. WHY oh WHY would you sign anything on the doorstep?

This is ging to be a costly lesson. You could try explaining what you have said above to the Magistrate, but I'm not hopeful for you.

I agree you have been royally stitched up as per the usual with these clowns.

Never ever sign anything proffered by a Capita Goon in their doorstep interview, in fact don't let them interview yoiu at all, ignore them and close the door and say nowt.

I had a visit in September 2013 as my direct debit to them ran out in June, and I hadn't paid since. Previously (5 years) they had got their money via DD. So the guy was really nice asked me about the stuff on the form and had a handheld machine with him and set me up a direct debit there and then. He said it would take until at least next month to start, and everything was now sorted. He asked me to sign the form to say he'd been, he never asked or mentioned that I should have read it. Only after he went did I notice the caution section (He had the form folded in two the whole time).

 

 

So today I got a summons, I admit I should have looked out for the DD, but to be honest £15 a month wouldn't have been noticed. Can the summons hold up if I wasn't cautioned (I have a witness). Also he told me he had set up the DD and that would be that?

 

 

Can I plead not guilty on these grounds? - surely if I wasn't cautioned then the interview shouldn't have been continued. I could ask the interviewer to attend as a witness - maybe that would have put them off.

Firstly , contact Capita & ask for a copy of the 178 form that you have signed. Tell them that under no circumstances were you cautioned at any time & you were told that signing the 178 was just proof of attendance & to set up the DD , hopefully if he has set one up , that gives a lot of weight to your account of what happened , state you have a witness who is prepared to go to court to give evidence on your behalf . Also state you want the " inspector " to attend any court date to be questioned on his account of the events. IMO , if he set you up with a DD then they are dead in the water .

Please get that request off today & try not to worry.