Finally... return request has been closed in my (sellers) favour !!!

I was itching to contact eBay especially after getting more emails from eBay & an eBay note against the item in my sold items list stating refund for this item is overdue

Kudos to black*poppy & also *tippy*toes*  for some excellent advice. Hopefully this advice can be passed on to other eBayers in a similar situation 🙂