A car finance firm launched a legal bid to have one of its customers locked up for six months over non-payment.

Steven Bell agreed with Moneybarn No.1 that he would buy a car for £18,244, with the credit totalling £9389 to be paid up in a number of instalments.

Mr Bell was then served with a default notice by the firm in October 2014, with the agreement terminated the following month by Moneybarn after they had not received payment.

Moneybarn claimed at this point they were still owed £11,109 by Mr Bell. They then launched legal proceedings at Hamilton Sheriff Court to seek payment as well as the car.

The Hampshire-based firm also sought payment of £8200, the estimated value of the car, if Mr Bell failed to return it to them.

A judgment by sheriff Daniel Kelly QC ruled there was "no justification" for having Mr Bell imprisoned and refused the legal bid.

He was, however, ordered to return the car to Moneybarn in June this year and sheriff officers were granted a warrant to collect it.

Mr Bell did not comply with the court order and lawyers for the finance firm launched a legal bid to have him appear in court to explain why. He failed to appear.

Solicitors for Moneybarn then applied for a warrant to apprehend and imprison the Mr Bell.

Sheriff Kelly's judgment, in which he refuses the warrant, states: "The arguments which led to the abolition of imprisonment for non-payment of civil debt in the 19th century are likely to be equally valid and apt today in relation to a conditional sale agreement.

"A number of such applications are increasingly beginning to emerge. However, while many customers might relish the opportunity to acquire a new car, few would expect that experience to lead to their imprisonment on the application of the finance company."

The sheriff said Moneybarn holds a "warrant to search for and deliver the car".

He also ruled the remaining balance of £11,109 must be repaid.