Two criminals who claim to have been cheated out of a £4million scratchcard win are threatening to sue Camelot over its refusal to pay up - and have enlisted the help of a lawyer once banned over chemsex drug offences, it has emerged.
Mark Goodram, 36, and Jon-Ross Watson, 31, who are both from Bolton, claim to have bought the winning scratchcard from a Waitrose supermarket in Clapham, south London in April.
But after attempting to claim their winnings, National Lottery chiefs found neither of the pair - who both have criminal convictions - owned a bank account. Camelot suspect the winning ticket was bought with a stolen bank card.
Enraged at the decision, the jobless duo have now enlisted the help of celebrity barrister Henry Hendron - once of Strand Chambers in London - to see if they can get hold of the £4million.
Jon-Ross Watson (left), 31, and Mark Goodram (right), 36, claimed victory on the lottery but Camelot has reportedly grown suspicious and refused to pay out. They have now enlisted the help of celebrity lawyer Henry Hendron to see if they can get the £4million
Speaking to The Sun, Mr Hendron said: 'My clients consider Camelot are behaving in a culturally racist way by subjecting them to a level of scrutiny, checking and vetting, they would not otherwise do if the person who claimed the prize spoke in a posh accent.
'My clients take the view it is because they are working class northerners with a history.'
Mr Hendron has returned to the bar following a suspension after he was convicted of drug dealing after buying £1,000 of mephedrone and GBL to sell at parties. The drugs led to the death of his teenage boyfriend.
He has now told Camelot they have until Tuesday to pay up, or face possible legal action. This is despite the Lotto chiefs claiming the pair paid for the scratchcard 'using funds without the owner's consent.' And that therefore the claim was not made in 'good faith'.
Mr Hendron has returned to the bar following a suspension after he was convicted of drug dealing after buying £1,000 of mephedrone and GBL to sell at parties. The drugs led to the death of his teenage boyfriend
The duo had planned to buy expensive homes and enjoy Caribbean cruises before lotto chiefs became suspicious. Watson had said he was 'going to buy luxury properties and look after myself' after claiming the scratchcard win.
Police are not investigating any wrongdoing in relation to the claim, and Goodram himself has previously said he will 'report' Camelot over its refusal to pay out.
Both have appeared on lists of 'Bolton's Most Wanted' for alleged crimes in the area in recent years.
Goodram, a father-of-two, has 22 convictions for 45 offences
