Hi,
This is my first post on here, so hopefully someone may be able to offer some help.
I developed a full-blown gambling addiction to an betting exchange about 4 years ago, and particularly "laying" odds took over my life as I pretty much spent all day every day on the exchange. Particularly with "laying" odds, then ended up winning a lot of bets which just compounded the issue as could easily see how I could make money so gambled more and more. At the time I was running a quite successful company so had ready access to a lot of money, with the inevitable result that I ended up losing any profits that the company made. The company ended up going into liquidation with outstanding debts to the taxman.
I ended up declaring myself bankrupt about 3 years ago, but am now being aggresively pursued by a government department acting on behalf of HMRC for criminal proceedings and recovery of monies to contribute to the company debts. Obviously after going through a bankruptcy then I haven't got anything for them to take, but understand that they will try to enforce a confiscation order against me which will run indefinitely until the monies have been re-paid.
It's quite a bleak situation at the moment, and I'm unable to meet the costs of a solicitor/barrister to represent me - I've spoken to a couple of companies who have said that their fees would be between £30k - £120k if it went to the Crown Court. I'm just in the process of applying for legal aid but am unsure if I will qualify as may be over the threshold, so am being backed into a corner somewhat.
Therefore, just wanted to put this out there to see if either a) anyone on the forum has personally or knows someone who may have faced with similar allegations or been through something like this recently, or b) knows of a good solicitor who has experience of defending people faced with these allegations that have all been caused by gambling ?
Any input would be much appreciated.
Hi where you a limited company?
Were the debts included in the bankruptcy?
Hi Deano,
In answer to your questions, then yes this was a Limited Company.
The debts that I personally owed to the company through the Director's Loan Account were included in the bankruptcy. However, the allegations against me are for the company's debts to the creditors (i.e HMRC) not being paid.
Hope that helps.
If they have suspicion to believe you have used money for non business purposes they will pursue the director for the money
If you wound the company up I would suggest speaking with the ip practioner. I would also speak with the official receiver of your bankruptcy certificate. Citizens advice would be able to help you I suggest getting an appointment with them. The end of the day they can't take what you don't have. Hope that helps
Hello eachway
Thank you for joining the GamCare forum. I hope you're getting support for your gambling problem. We can offer a range of support including free counselling and a freephone helpline.
This forum isn't a place for formal legal advice, and any suggestions from forum users are not to be taken as such. You coudl try contacting Advice UK http://www.adviceuk.org.uk/, or The Law Centres Network http://www.lawcentres.org.uk/ to find your nearest source of free, expert advice.
Best wishes
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