how long after incident

[anfield66]

how long after an incident can i bring police charges-a bit of background-my sons friend stole my car-smashed it up drink driving, his family begged me not to charge him although police were already called by independant witnesses. The family assured me they would pay for all damage, but when it came down to it they only paid 4,000 not the cost of repairs 5,800. I would like to charge this lad as I have been walked all over and cannot get the outstanding money, incident happened 27/07/08

[terambulan]

Presuming you have the police incident number threaten the perpetrator with Court prosecution (using your evidence) if they dont settle within ? (a time limit you decide). Then start the action if your losses are not met.

I think the time limit is 5y?

[terambulan]

Last line of 5y means time you have to prosecute

[Ethel]

What did you tell the police? I assume you told them you didn't know who took the car.

Can you prove you have received any money from them? If not and he denies it, it will be your word against his that he stole the car.

What happened when the police were called? Had the driver run off?

Why didn't you claim on your car insurance?

[anfield66]

no i told them at the scene he was driving my car without permission, i had to sign a contract for the 4,000 under duress but all details on contract and he is admitting to taking the car, i have a crime number but what the police told me they would charge him with twoc not theft, because of this my insurance would not pay out as he had access to keys as he was a family friend. the driver has been charged with drink driving and driving a car with no insurance. I want to make further charges as his family did not stick to their promise to compensate me. do I just go into my local police station and go from there I really dont know what to do with getting extra charges

[Ethel]

The police won't help you recover your money - that is a civil matter and you would have to pursue it by way of a Small Claims in the County Court.

Even if you win the case you will have the problem of enforcement - possibly have to pay to have the bailiffs.

[anfield66]

i am not looking to police for help in recovering money-I cant even be bothered to pursue as too much hassle, but what about getting a conviction for taking the vehicle without consent how do I go about this, any suggestions?. Can I just go back to my local police give them the crime reference no and ask them to charge him

[Ethel]

The driver has already been charged with TWOC because that is what you told the police you wanted to do.

Has he been to court yet?

[anfield66]

the police did not charge him with twoc, he has been to court for drink driving and no insurance got a driving ban and fine, he had no charges relating to theft

[bundleone]

If you didn't press charges then surely you have let him get away with it,

[anfield66]

i thought the police would automatically press charges