[the truth]

ok so I had a workman (he also works for me as a driver)at a house of mine painting and chucking out rubbish
so after 10 weeks I say ok thanks for your help ill finish it from here , pls take your tools

he was offended as I was getting in a better painter and decorator to finish the house, he also seemed offended I asked him to take his tools

he said he hadn't finished doing a job in the garden I said its ok ill get it done
he said he didn't have the chance to get his tools out straight away , I said ok leave them there until you can collect them...so he takes all tools a day later but leaves the ladders in the garden

ok so 15 days later he rings me up ranting, hes been to the house and his ladders are gone....supposedly worth £200 extendable ladders 24 foot at full length

hes now trying to claim I am responsible and should buy him £200 ladders as ive had workmen there.....

so am I responsible or is he?