Tramp sells life for £35,000
July 3, 2008
A ‘traveller’ living in a wet house in North London has agreed a bid of more than £35,000 after putting his “entire life” up for sale following a downturn in fortunes that saw him spiral out of control. Street drinker John Marshall, 54, who left Derby ten years ago, had been living rough since 2001.
Mr Marshall decided to sell his life on eBay after seeing the success of Ian Usher from Perth, Western Australia who sold his house, car, job and friends in the online auction for a staggering £192,000 earlier this month. John’s life attracted a peak offer of £35,276 when bids closed early last week.
However it now appears that the buyer, who wishes to remain anonymous for legal reasons, is complaining that he has made a dreadful mistake and that eBay should have prevented him from making such a ludicrous offer.
Mr A, from Beckenham in Kent told our reporter: “I am not making excuses but I was worse for drink when I made the final bid. I’ll admit I got caught up in the hype that followed the case in Australia.”
“I had been out for a late night drink with some of the lads from work and in my drunken state I thought I would be able to sell my story to a national tabloid. It is true to say that I have had very little media interest so far. ‘The Bromley Gazette’ did run an article with the headline, “Local man makes a First class Twat of himself” but as of yet I have received no money for the story. It appears I have spent my entire years salary on five cans of Special Brew, a 1977 Shoot annual (minus the poster of Gordon Hill), a tube of out of date Canesten cream and three pairs of heavily soiled underpants. My wife has thrown me out and I am to all intents and purposes homeless”
Meanwhile John was delighted at the deal. Talking to our Home affairs correspondent he said: “I can’t believe my luck. What started off as a laugh has ended up with a cheque for over £35,000. This is the break I have been looking for. The money is safe in a bank, I’m off to the Priory tomorrow, have put a deposit down on a small flat and start work at Camden council next month. My life really has turned a complete circle.”
Asked if he felt any sympathy for the man who had in effect ruined his own life by buying his Mr Marshall said: “What is the old Latin phrase, ‘Caveat emptor’. He has my life now and he is welcome to it.”
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Great to see the article in print. It really has been put together well and I congratulate you on your fine journalistic style. I was wondering whether or not it would be possible for you to forward the fee that we agreed at our meeting on 30/06/2008. Kind regards to you and all your family.
Mr A
Beckenham