Mr Newton was a smooth-talking salesman for the Willow Crescent Estate, a development of new-build houses in Weatherfield. Gail and Brian Tilsley, eager first-time buyers, originally planned in April 1980 to buy a £16,000 house on the estate at No. 16 Willow Crescent but Gail discovered that she was pregnant and would have to give up her job at Jim's Cafe. They backed out but the tenacious Mr Newton called on them in July 1980 and told them that he had a cheaper one-bedroomed property on the same estate at 5 Buxton Close for £13,000 which would mean repayments of £100 per month. The house was originally bought by a couple who spilt up before they could move in as she ran away with a bloke from the local takeaway. Brian not impressed as it only had one bedroom but Gail was very taken with t