You were not means-tested before being fined.


Before fixing the amount of any fine to be imposed on an offender who is an individual, a court must inquire into his financial circumstances.[1]

Ask the court to withdraw the warrant of control,[2] and that will end the enforcement power,[3] and the bailiff may not recover any fees and charges.[4]

Download and complete a means enquiry form MC100,[5] and enclose it with your formal complaint letter.

The court can set a smaller fine,[6] or not fine you at all.[7]


Template: Stage 1 Formal Complaint

Send the stage 1 formal complaint letter with the completed form MC100 to the Fines Officer at the sentencing court, and get a certificate of posting from the post office.

Give a copy of the formal complaint letter (without the MC100) to the bailiff company by email and make a screenshot of the sent email capturing the time you gave it.

Send a copy of the letter by text message to the bailiff to his mobile and make a screenshot of the sent text message to record the time you gave it.

Keep all screenshots for your file.



[1] Section 164(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003
[2] Section 88(8) of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012
[3] Paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[4] Regulation 17 of the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014
[5] Form MC100 download
[6] Section 165(2)(a) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003
[7] Section 165(2)(a) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003