Have you asked your wife/brother to intercede on your behalf?
Do you have proof of purchase? Do you have any correspondence from when the laptop was originally lent indicating it is a loan?
Legal path is magistrates court or VCAT.
I don't have proof of purchase. But I do have all the text messages I sent to her - see below.
What would you recommend magistrates court or VCAT?
Thankyou so much!
Date Message
3-Oct-15 Sent M: I have asked my legal team to pursue the return of the laptop i lent u previously
and u refused to return. If the laptop is not returned to me by COB 06/10/2015,
all costs involved in the recovery of the laptop and any damage to the laptop will
be pursued through the legal channel. This is the 2nd and last time i will ask for
u to do the right thing and return the laptop. If u don't u have been made aware
of the legal action that will be undertaken. Your choice.
5-Aug-15 Sent M: No problems M, if u won't return the laptop i will likely take legal actions u.
5-Aug-15 Inbox M: It was a gift. You never verbalised anything to the contrary, nor did
you indicate it in any message to me. You're welcome to take further action.
NEVER CONTACT ME AGAIN unless it's through a solicitor.
5-Aug-15 Sent M: No problems M. If u won't return the loaned laptop to me as requested,
i will need to take the appropriate action. I have never said the laptop was for you to keep. Your choice.
5-Aug-15 Inbox M: No, you told me at the time you gave it to me I could have it and you didn't need it.
That came out of your mouth. It was a gift. You can't change your mind
months down the track
5-Aug-15 Sent M: As i said to u earlier this afternoon this was a loan. I haven't suggested otherwise.
5-Aug-15 Sent M: No i didn't, it was as a loan.
5-Aug-15 Inbox M: Why? You gave it to me as a gift.
5-Aug-15 Sent M: Hi M, Could you please organise the return of the laptop i lent to u on the 12th of
May to assist u with your studies. I am happy to pick it up from u, or u can
return it to me. Whatever suits u the best. I need it back by Monday 10th August.
Cheers