[AnnieK]

I would imagine as the job had finished and he was no longer in your employ then the ladders revert to his responsibility. Had he left them in the house and you put the out in the garden you would be liable but as he left them there and did not collect them, I would imagine he hasn't a leg (or ladder -sorry) to stand on.

Was this job a "cash in hand" job? If so I don't think he can have a case at all as he has carried out the work illegally anyway.