THE owner of a second-hand car garage in Hanley Swan was accused of doing a “moonlight flit”, owing money to creditors and at least one employee.

An employment tribunal in Birmingham heard that Michael Hartland, a mechanic at Graham Garage, in Hanley Swan, arrived at work to find the premises deserted, doors left open and all the cars removed.

He went to the home of the owner, James Orr, and found he and his partner had gone and the property, at the Hollies Mews, Malvern, had a ‘for let’ notice outside.

Mr Hartland said: “Some people are still waiting to be paid by Mr Orr and I understand creditors are trying to track him down.”

Mr Hartland, from North Malvern, was awarded £12,500 for redundancy, unpaid wages and notice and holiday pay.

Tribunal chairman Alan McCarry said the mechanic faced problems receiving his award in view of the circumstances.

He said: “It appears Mr Orr has done a moonlight flit.”

Mr Hartland, aged 58, said business had been poor for some months at the garage, which is located in Blackmore Park Industrial Estate and employed less than half-a-dozen staff.

He only had a verbal contract and had received his P45 in the post over Christmas.

Only days later, he returned to the garage to find Mr Orr had disappeared.

Mr Hartland, who has not found work since he was made redundant and is currently claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance, was told he could apply to the Government’s Redundancy Office for at least £6,000 of the award should the business officially cease trading.

Mr McCarry also suggested he seek advice from his local Citizens Advice Bureau.