Ray Stead is the owner of a chain of bookmakers. In June 2006, Pearl Ladderbanks, an old friend of his, visits one of his shops. After a horse she bets on wins, Ray convinces her to place further bets, it leaves her in a lot of debt. A few days later, Ray turns up in the village to see Pearl, but she isn't in and is greeted by her partner Len Reynolds. Ray tells Len that Pearl owes him £600, which Len offers to pay, and says that he has a couple of weeks to pay.