The first time attending court is like going to the dentist after years of denying anything is wrong with your teeth, yet knowing the bill and the pain are in proportion!

Your solicitor will have enlightened you about the various options and what to expect, I found it most frustrating to continually find that court documents, people and time were not all in the correct place or order as they should have been. The system just shrugged and waited a full year and seven court appearances before the full hearing!

So be prepared for return visits and a delay, the system is organised chaos. No regard for the turmoil or suffering of the customers is thought to be of significance. If the system players had to wait to get their heating fixed in the depths of winter, or were made to pay a proportion of their fees for wasting our time, I feel things would move a lot smoother.

It goes without saying, but I will anyway that jeans and trainers are not a good indication of deference to the almighty power of the court! Be respectful and prompt in attending, although you will find that solicitors are like London buses, you wait and wait then three come along together!