Can I get my phone repaired?

QI got an LG G4 phone when I signed up to a two-year contract with Vodafone in June 2015. It’s now faulty and refusing to charge properly. I took it back to Vodafone, but they are refusing to help me. The staff keep saying I’ve either dropped it or that it’s fair wear and tear. I didn’t pay for the phone so I’m unsure what my rights are. Tim Lewcock

AIn the eyes of the law Tim did pay for the phone, just not all in one go upfront. His subscription is covered by the Sale of Goods Act providing the fault is inherent.

It seems that neither Vodafone nor LG have carried out an internal inspection of the phone. Instead Vodafone’s staff are putting it down to Tim’s handling of the phone. They presumably know that if a product has been damaged by the owner or through wear and tear, they don’t need to issue a refund.

It’s vital to know whether the fault is inherent, so we’ve asked Vodafone to carry out a thorough examination. They can’t know the cause of the fault without doing this.