I’m a first-generation Oxford doctoral student in medical research. I've had no legal training and represented myself throughout the case.

For nearly three years, SSE Energy Solutions pursued me for a £1,091 "debt" on a disconnected meter that used zero electricity, at an address that doesn't exist. I told them from day one it was disconnected and needed to be sorted. They billed me anyway, got debt collectors involved, ran trace searches that affected my credit file, and kept going even after the Energy Ombudsman upheld my complaint and after I issued a claim in court.

This month, a judge gave judgement in my favour at a public hearing and criticised SSE's conduct.

As the hearing approached, SSE offered me more money than I eventually won in court, on the condition I signed confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses. I refused, because being able to tell you this story, so the next person knows what these companies do, mattered more than the money.

My doctoral funding has now ended, but I am still working to finish my degree. This dispute consumed hundreds of hours that should have gone into my doctorate, and I now have to make up that work without stipend support. A court judgement cannot return that time or undo the stress and sleepless nights. I’m a first-generation Oxford doctoral student in medical research. I've had no legal training and represented myself throughout the case.

For nearly three years, SSE Energy Solutions pursued me for a £1,091 "debt" on a disconnected meter that used zero electricity, at an address that doesn't exist. I told them from day one it was disconnected and needed to be sorted. They billed me anyway, got debt collectors involved, ran trace searches that affected my credit file, and kept going even after the Energy Ombudsman upheld my complaint and after I issued a claim in court.

This month, a judge gave judgement in my favour at a public hearing and criticised SSE's conduct.

As the hearing approached, SSE offered me more money than I eventually won in court, on the condition I signed confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses. I refused, because being able to tell you this story, so the next person knows what these companies do, mattered more than the money.

My doctoral funding has now ended, but I am still working to finish my degree. This dispute consumed hundreds of hours that should have gone into my doctorate, and I now have to make up that work without stipend support. A court judgement cannot return that time or undo the stress and sleepless nights. Donations will help cover my living costs while I finish and give me chance to engage in opportunities I've missed out on.

Any contribution, whatever the amount, will help me support myself while I finish my doctorate and recover the time and stability this case took from me.

Any contribution, whatever the amount, will help me support myself while I finish my doctorate and recover the time and stability this case took from me.