Two years ago I hired a private detective in preparation for a court case. I paid him over £1,000 and gave him all the details, but that was the last I saw of him. The police have been involved, but without this evidence I can’t get the case moving.
If you need evidence from a private detective in order to begin your legal action you may have to hire another one: this time I suggest you ask your solicitor to instruct one rather than picking one out of the phone book and giving them large amounts of cash. If you can find the man you may be able to sue him for the return of your money, or, if he is prosecuted for theft, the court may order him to compensate you.