Late payment of court fine resulting in distress warrant

[hatethecourtsdotcom]

Hi all,

 

I'm new to this forum and could do with some advice off you guys if possible please. Here is the script,

 

On 30th July, I was found guilty of exceeding speed limit at Magistrates Court for which I received a total of £155.00 fine and 3 points.

Whilst in court I was told by the judge that I had to pay £15 per week and the first payment was due on 6th August. This was written on a HMCS info guide by the court clerk. I discussed the payment of my fine and I was told that the total fine had to be paid by 8th October. I was also informed that I could make one off payments if required and did not have to set up weekly payment plan.

 

On 24th August, I made an online payment of £50.00 and then on 16th September, I made an online payment of £30.00.

 

On 24th September, I received a letter from the courts indicating that a distress warrant had been issued against me and they returned my payment of £30.00 in a cheque!

 

I have now been informed that my fine had been referred to Marston Group Bailiffs on 13th September even though the final payment was not due till 8th October.

 

When I spoke to the courts they stated that I was ordered to pay £20 a week however this is not the case. Even if I did have to pay £20 a week that would mean the final payment would be due by 24th September so how can they refer to the fine to the debt collectors prior to this date!!??

 

I find that they are totally abused the fines process and have clearly sold the debt on in order to make a few quid!!

 

I have now had to pay an extra £75 on top of the fine. The debt collectors have done nothing to justify the £75 as they have not even had to come to my house.

 

 

Thats the story what do you guys think? Thanks very much for reading, Chris