It couldn't have been the panel beaters, as they didnt disconnect anything. Like Crimmo said, it could be that little black control box, thats the only thing I didnt check (although I wondered what it did!). I had a good look today at work and I know the taillights were changed after it was imported coz they were cracked. There are two left over wires either side with provisions for a push in type 12V globe, I put globe in these and tried the brakes but it did nothing.
Anyways to cut a long story short its going down to auto electricians tomorrow morning, they will definetely sort it out in like 10 minutes I reakon!