Bookies refuse to pay out on a 40-1 'mistake'

RETIRED electrician Phil Worthington thought he was quids in after a "monster" 40-1 bet came off.

- NEAL KEELING

But the response of Coral bookmakers when he went to collect his winnings sparked his fury.

He had placed £25 on City, Liverpool, and Chelsea finishing in the top three in the Premier League and Norwich, Burnley, and Watford being relegated. When he had the flutter in January this year, Newcastle United were bottom of the division.

But he says he was told the bet had been allowed "by mistake" when he tried to pick up his £1,000 from the company's shop in Davenport, Stockport. Now he considering lodging a formal action with the small claims court in a bid to recover what he believes is rightfully his.