You can't end an auction which ends in less than 12 hours can you?

Only if there are no bids on it.

The auction is still running - my bid is still valid (3 hours or so to go at the moment). He ended other items that had no bids, but can't end the ones where there are bidders.

Yes you can, but you have to cancel all bids first
It's all there if you know where to look

Just say you've been out and didn't see his email till after the end of the auction.

Of course if you get the stage of leaving feedback then he can leave feedback for you as well.

I got stung, won a 996 got a mail from the guy saying "congrats to you got your self a bargin" sorted out transfering the cash to my brother in the UK the same day, next day i got a mail saying "sorry but there have been a change in circumstances the bike is no longer for sale" now that sucked as i lost out on sending cash to the UK due to bank charges and exchange rates, could i do anything about it. NO all you can do is leave negative feed back :(

so dont ebay have the same laws as an auction, ?

Seems not... having calmed down i've let it go and put it down to experience... :(