Its that simple? Ie pay the arrears, forget the charges and re-apply for deferment? Also what would I do if the was a County Court judgement taken out against me?

Guys, Id like to explain my situation and ask for advice as it is causing me a great deal of stress (as appears common) In 94, 95 and 96 I took out a total of 3 student loans. I defered with no problems through until about 2000. I then moved away from the UK and got married and based overseas. I found it hard to keep upto date with my loans but I continued to defer them. I have not earned over the threshold at any point. My wife is the primary income and I have been working part-time jobs and looking after the children. In 2005 we moved to another country. I missed my deferment in 2006 and ended up owing money to the Student Loans company. I set up a monthly payment plan of credit card payments over the phone. I then required surgery and over the next couple of months my wife tried to make the payments for me and they refused to accept the payment from her. As I missed a few months the payments drifted as I was upset they wouldnt accept payment from my wife. I have not heard anything from the Student Loans Company since that date. No letters to defer or to pay. We have since moved to another country and Id like to sort this all out and I am wondering what is the best way to do this? I know it is a mess but I honestly want to deal with it but feel intimidated with dealing with them. Im happy to pay a large chunk of my debt right now but I just dont want to be treated like a criminal when I contact them. Im now a citizen of another country (I graduated 11 years ago and left the UK 8 years ago) but I just dont want to be in exile never to retun to the UK because I have all sorts of judgements against me. If I returned to the UK tomorrow, what would my situation be? Could I get a job? Will I be harrassed? Taken to court? If I continue to live outside the UK, can my loans come back to haunt me overseas? Thanks for any help and advice as I really want to sort this out but scared to find out what the consequences are and what trouble I am in.