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You may have heard something about the story of local man Keith Hughan, who has famously fought an ongoing battle with Ladbrokes the bookmakers, over a bet placed in 1994, which he claims legitimately won him £260,000, and which Ladbrokes refuse to pay.
What ever you have heard, and regardless of your view, if you've ever felt helpless to defend yourself against the bureaucracy of a large institution or business, Mr Hughan has written a book about his experiences and the events of the last 10 years, which is bound to appeal to you.
Although Mr Hughan would be the last person to claim to be a grade 'A' English student, I have to say the book makes for a surprisingly entertaining read. Actually I read it from cover to cover in just four hours without stopping. It is predominantly written in spoken english, in a humorous and easy-going style,and presents all the legally documented and relevant information, in order to allow you to form your own opinion.
After reading the book I could only begin to imagine the life consequences of such an event, and have to marvel at Mr Hughans consisent determination throughout. I would like to thank him for sharing his experiences and hope that he is able to find some peace, and reclaim some of the life he has lost.
If you can put your thoughts into words, or have something to shout about, we'd love to share it ! Telephone Collette on 01737 245105
I'm a firm believer that something good comes out of something bad .. if only you can recognize it. Keith Hughan's book is the something good that has come out this life-shattering saga his ongoing, twelve year battle with Ladbrokes, the bookmaker, over a large bet he won in 1994 and they refuse to pay.
All the events in this story are true. When Keith became frustrated trying to work within the bureaucratic system to resolve his problem, he decided to take matters into his own hands, and through many misadventures finally ended up in prison, which he found to be most unpleasant. A good portion of the book is documentation of his efforts to work within the legal system.
He admits that revenge is sweet, but has come to find that the word is immensely more powerful than the sledgehammer, which he has used upon occasion. After the first writing of this book and ten years after the original bet, the Assistant Manager confessed that the error was his mistake and wrote a letter to that effect which is included in the book; however, Keith still has not received any settlement from Ladbrokes. You've got to admire this guy's perseverance.
About his style of writing, allow me to quote from page 2:
My knowledge of the English language is that of the common man. Not wanting to use a ghost writer meant that I had to go and buy a box of Metaphors, Synonyms, Adjectives, etc, and when I got home I tipped them all over the kitchen table. I then thought how the fuck do these work? I am just your normal man you would see walking down the street whistling, with a sledgehammer holding my hand.
I personally enjoyed learning some contemporary English slang like hump, bugger me and wank mag. He admits,"I have used some very naughty words while writing this book. Fudge off! Oh damn! And Oh dear! Would not express how I felt at certain times, so bollocks to anyone who is offended."
Since he lost his lady Deb, he invites,"If there is an attractive woman out there, middle-aged and can understand men a wee little bit, please get in touch." Just thought I'd add that in for you single gals who might be interested. He's a bit of hunk, ladies, judging from the pictures in the book, and I'm sure a hand full. He tells us a few things about his best friend Harry. Is this guy cute, or what?
Here's another excerpt, from page 238:
I guess the shit will hit the fan for printing my story, but will I worry? And if I am having a shave one day and I notice that there is a small red dot on my forehead then I'd better duck - a Hindu I'm not! It just may be that Ladbrokes have got the hump with me. Believe me, a lot of my life has been lost, and tears have been shed many times. The experiences I have encountered whilst battling it out with Ladbrokes, have opened my eyes. The World could be a better place, and it's a shame that many of us go through life hoping that other people will change it. I now know that the word is stronger than the sword, but, bugger me; I did enjoy the sword at certain times. Perhaps men relish in the physical and not the mental side of life more. I'm just a stubborn bastard. It took a lot more gumption to write this book. Even though this book was inspired and completed because of Keith's ongoing battle, I do hope he will write another book from his "common man's" perspective. He knows he can write now, he's an honest writer, he has a sense of humor, and I bet he's hooked.
Kayfucius say:
Resentments and grudges only hurt man who holds them. The trick is . . how to let them go. Negative things draw you in and suck out your positive energy. Can I hear an Amen! Now that you know you can write, a whole new world is opening. If you're serious, Keith, I highly recommend Stephen King's book, On Writing - A Memoir of the Craft. A breath of fresh air, to be sure. And, if I were a wee bit younger, I might like to meet your friend Harry.
Good luck, Keith!
Review by Kaye Trout - March 28, 2006 - Copyright
As asked by a Court Usher from?
Keith could you put the chapter regarding your ' Non Payment of Fine ' on your web site so I and others can read and read again when ever? - From a court usher, maybe the one who dealt with you, thanks! So funny!
Non Payment of Fine
Time went by and the fine imposed on me for trying to make Ladbrokes camera fly, had not been paid. So there I was in court again, for non-payment of fine. Feeling a bit fidgety whilst waiting for my case to be heard, I decided to sit in on another person's case to get the feel of what the magistrates moods were that day. One such defendant was told that if he did not come up with £50 there and then, he would be taken that day and imprisoned for a week. All of a sudden he found £50, just like that; it was a miracle, or the fear of prison.
Knowing what had just happened appealed to me, and I thought I would play that game as well. I owed the courts £200, and it would be interesting to find out what scare tactics the magistrates would use on me. I was so confident knowing a bullet proof vest or a suit of armour was not needed, for I had the best protection going, a care free attitude. I did not give a fuck! I left the room and rang my girlfriend. Debs had come back once again. I told her what had just happened and explained to her that I would be home in a month's time. I was looking forward to a holiday where I could sit in a cell and read a few books, getting everything back into perspective would be a pleasure.
"Mr Keith Hughan" was called; I entered the court with a slight smirk across my chops. They were going to have a hard time that I was sure of. The thought of even one penny being paid out because of Ladbrokes was a sickening one. I just felt that I did not deserve it, despite my actions.
"Mr Keith Hughan of 3, Nowhere Close?" Said the usher.
"Yes." I replied, thinking, what idiot would want to take my place here?
"You are here today as you have made no attempt to pay your fine. Why is that?"
"Your Honour, I am not working and if I was, I would still not pay it on principle. Ladbrokes owe me £260,000."
It went quiet, and then before anything could be fired back at me, I said, "I do not mean to be rude but I heard one of the cases before mine and you threatened that man with a week's imprisonment for the sum of £50. A month must be in order at least, as I owe £200."
"Why do you want to go to prison, Mr Hughan?"
"I could do with the rest and catch up on my reading." A slightly raised voice came from the bench "Do you know what the costs are to put people in prison?"
No I didn't, but I was about to find out.
"It's around £600 a week."
Well, I thought that if they dropped the fine of £200 instead of giving me a month's sentence I could save them roughly £2,500. Then the court usher stepped in and said, "Mr Hughan, I believe the car outside in our car park, with the slogan - Ladbrokes owe Keith £260,000 - belongs to you. Therefore we can confiscate the car and sell it to pay your fine."
"You can't do that."
"Why is that, Mr Hughan?"
"Because it's the tool of my trade, you wouldn't take tools of a carpenter. No work, no money."
The usher looked puzzled, "Tools of your trade?"
"Yes, my tool for getting my £260,000 off Ladbrokes."
There was quite a bit of smirking going on around the court room, and I was only just warming up. The usher went on to say, "You will have to make an offer to this court today."
Not wanting to lose my car, I decided that an offer was the only way out. The usher looked over at me again and said,
"£5 will do."
"No, too much, I am unemployed,"
"Okay, £4 then."
"Still too much," I said forcibly.
"£3," he fires back.
"£2, and that's your lot."
He walked right up to me and looked right into my face with an expression of "I am enjoying this too," and whispered in my ear. "£3 or the car will go."
I was nearly pissing myself then, how much longer could I keep a straight face for? With the best of my ability I contained myself and I blurted out, "£2.50."
The usher was then trying not to laugh, turned away from me and walked to the magistrates bench. He had a little chat and then the lady on the bench said, "You will pay £2.50 a week Mr Hughan as from today."
"Excuse me, it's coming up to the festive season and £2.50 would buy me a box of Christmas cards from the charity shop."
Time seemed to stop for a short while.
"Mr Hughan, you will start paying your fine commencing the 4th January."
"Thank you, your Honour."
I was well chuffed and grateful for the fact that they knew I had been through the wars with Ladbrokes. How could anybody be normal after what I had been through? That day may have turned out differently but who cares? I certainly didn't at that time. - END
Okay Mr Usher, that day, is it you who requested this? Ha!
Gambling is a mugs game! The bookies win in the end.
