Thanks for the pm's and updates guys, tomorrow is approaching fast and I said we should give him this long at least to sort people out. Come Monday, obviously with all of your support, I can start the process TWH has indicated thru his solicitor (but without the fees coz I'm a nice guy

).
First step is to go into detail as to whether an individual or company was paid the money (former from what I've been led to believe), and then start a joint petition to the court to wind him up if indeed he isn't already insolvent. We do this all the time thru our construction dispute business and it is neither difficult nor expensive. Normally the threat of such a petition, which can mean property etc will be charged to the debt, is enough to start seeing readies. If he is already bankrupt, then there are other ways and means especially when the dealing is fraudulent.
Probably the quickest way to resolve this is the next guy (or two) who actually meets him should take his car as security for the joint debt - that normally works a treat and you are well within your rights
Let me know how tomorrow/this weekend goes and how you would like me to proceed.
Andiroo