When Fred Elliott started to suffer severe back pains in February 2000, he tried all recommended remedies to alleviate the pain with the notable exceptions of Natalie Barnes's suggestion that he lose some weight and Roy Cropper's of acupuncture. Groaning with pain in Freshco's one day, Mrs Mawdsley, another customer, suggested he take advantage of her massage service. Fred called at her home by appointment one evening and was in the middle of his "treatment" when a squad of police headed by DS Johnson raided the property and arrested Mrs Mawdsley for keeping a lewd house. Fred was also taken in for questioning, watched by a passing Tyrone Dobbs.