A York driving instructor has failed to refund a 17-year-old for cancelled lessons despite being ordered to by York County Court.

Joanne Thompson, whose father took her driving instructor to the county court

Michael Bass, who runs Woodthorpe School of Motoring, Acomb, has been told to pay Joanne Thompson, of Moorcroft Road, Woodthorpe, more than £218 after she asked for a refund following his cancellation of lessons.

The money has still not been received by Miss Thompson.

Joanne's father, David, received a letter in May on behalf of Mr Bass which said: "Woodthorpe School of Motoring has a good reputation and has been going for ten years and would like to carry on for another ten years.

"Mr Bass will refund to you the full amount that you are asking for. As a business he has a lot of out-goings and will refund you your money at the earliest opportunity."

Mr Thompson had first asked for a refund in April. After months of waiting he took his claim to court.

He said: "He had been cancelling lesson and giving Joanne barely any notice and she just thought that would continue, so she cancelled the lessons already booked."

The court judgement told Mr Bass: "You must pay the claimant £198 for debt and interest to date of judgement and £20 for costs."

At the time of going to press Mr Bass was unavailable for comment.

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