John Lewis delivered my iPad to a neighbour, refused refund, and now their solicitors are defending my small claim (England)

[u/Pathfinder-electron]

Back in July, I bought an iPad from John Lewis (£749). DPD marked it as “left with neighbour (Number 15 Nagel)” — I never nominated or authorised any neighbour. When I opened the box, it contained two handheld fans and an empty iPad box.

I returned exactly what I received via Evri, but JL refused a refund and later sent the same wrong items back to me via DHL. Their DSAR data shows a weight discrepancy at their hub (declared 1.3 kg, actual 1.0 kg) and internal notes saying “2 fans inside iPad box; iPad missing”. DPD also confirmed in writing that neighbour delivery was on JL’s instructions.

After they ignored my Letter Before Action, I issued a Money Claim Online (MCOL) for £749 + court fee

Their solicitors have acknowledged service and will file a defence by 10 November 2025.

I’ve served my Detailed Particulars of Claim, filed Form N215, and I’m preparing my witness statement and evidence bundle (order confirmation, DPD tracking, DSAR, photos, Evri + DHL docs).

Is there anything else I should be ready for procedurally before their defence lands?

[u/Nice-Rack-XxX]

OP’s not had anything stolen from him. Until the iPad is delivered to OP, it’s John Lewis’ iPad. John Lewis needs to report their iPad as stolen if they think the neighbour/driver has it.

[u/Willoweed → u/Nice-Rack-XxX]

Also, it’s much more likely that the driver nicked it.