[MissMoppet]

For those who dislike loose ends, I am moderately happy to report that the MOT garage in Wickford that ignored the split tyre, leaking and corroded brake pipes, split drop-link boot, weeping shocker, broken rear spring and missing brake caliper spring has coughed up a token £250, to slightly allay the £850 I had to find to make the V6 safe.
And did I get the balance from the previous seller - and club member? Well not exactly . . . I've never had an apology, just a threat to "report me for harassment if I contacted him again." And though RAC Legal Services have told me I have a case against him for selling the car in such a dangerous condition, I am presuming he relied on the duff MOT cert as much as I did.