Dad’s sub’ from mate led to loan shark debt

A LOAN shark victim has told how he was hounded by thugs for six years after believing he was borrowing money from a pal.

Fearing violence, he paid £4,000 interest on a £5,500 loan after the crooks hiked borrowing costs when he missed a payment.

The dad- of- four, from Leicestershire, went to his “friend” when he got behind on the bills and could not get a mainstream loan.

He was offered cash in exchange for gold jewellery as security. This included his wife’s engagement ring.

The delivery driver, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I feel disgusted and cheated when I look back on it now.”

His ordeal was over when the gang was prosecuted in 2014. The dad, who is in his 40s, added: “There was always the threat of violence, and I know from their court case that they beat up some other victims badly.

“But with me, they just put up the cost of the repayments and told me they would sell off the gold. And that was it. It was gone – my necklace, bracelets, and my wife’s engagement ring.”

For help with loan sharks, contact England Illegal Money Lending Team at 0300 555 2222. AN ALARM clock is still going off at 7.50am every day – 13 years after Jerry Lynn dropped it inside a wall during DIY at home in Ross, Pennsylvania.