You Reap What You Sow
 

The king of compensation claims


10/ 4/2007


FOR a man who built his fortune on accidents, Mark Langford's death brings to an end a life of fast money and fast cars.

Full details of the smash are not yet available.

What is known is that Mr Langford had previously been convicted of drink-driving, and was fined for careless driving after he hit and killed a pensioner in his Ferrari.

Mark Langford became famous after a meteoric career saw him quickly build a £100 million business empire - an empire seemingly built on sand - and the famous line, "Where there's blame, there's a claim".

Brought up in Greater Manchester, he initially trained as a solicitor in a law firm, although he did not qualify.

Instead, he started Motorlaw, a claims company, at the age of 27, before launching The Accident Group (TAG) in 1999.
Compensation culture

The high-pressure sales operation in claims was branded 'ambulance chasing' and blamed in part for a creeping compensation culture.

In 2003 TAG collapsed - infamously sacking 2,500 staff by text message.

Staff were told, via mobile phone: "Urgent. Unfortunately salaries not paid. Please do not contact office. Full details to follow later today."

Thousands were left without a penny - but Mr Langford, and his wife, Debbie, a fellow director of the firm, were not. As staff began ransacking TAG offices in Manchester, Birmingham and Leicester, they headed for the Spanish sun.

Already with a 24-acre estate in Cheshire, they forged a new life befitting multi-millionaires amongst the designer shops and exclusive golf clubs in Marbella.

Mr Langford lived in a five-bedroom rented villa with a sweeping drive in Marbella's exclusive Zagaleta estate.

He had reportedly been seen driving into the swish port, which boasts shops by Versace, Armani and Gucci, and their two daughters attend the £11,000-a-year King's School just outside Marbella.

Mr Langford was also a regular at the Real Club de Golf Las Brisas, near Marbella, a club which costs £80,000 to join and has hosted the Spanish Open three times.
Legal challenges

But Mr Langford had been fighting off a slowly tightening noose of legal challenges and court hearings, brought by the British tax authorities.

He was coming under increasing pressure to explain how the company folded owing around £100m just months after he helped himself in millions in dividends.

Just last month, as Mr Langford prepared to host a party aboard their £1.4m, 80ft yacht, Mermaid's Whisper, in Puerto Banus harbour, a British tax official came aboard to hand over two writs totalling £4.1m.

In early 2006 liquidators froze Mark Langford's assets and the Department of Trade and Industry were seeking to disqualify the couple from holding company directorships.

In October 2006, their spread at North Rode, Cheshire was put on the market, at £3.75m for the five-bedroom manor house with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, gym plus paddock and lake.

Last month Mr Langford did not attend a bankruptcy hearing at the High Court in London, hi s solicitor telling the court his client was suffering from depression and too unwell to face the hearing.

Years before his death, Mr Langford had been involved in a crash which claimed the life of a pensioner. He was convicted of careless driving in June 2000 but cleared of causing death by dangerous driving.

William Thornley, 73, was struck by Langford's red Ferrari 355 F1 Spyder as he was crossing a road, in November 1998 near the Manchester United football ground as Mr Thornley was on his way home from a Conservative club.
Impact

The pensioner was thrown 15 feet into the air by the impact, and died two hours later in hospital from multiple injuries.

Eyewitnesses claimed in the run-up to the accident Langford had weaved in and out of traffic, and "floored" his car straight ahead from traffic lights in a turn-right-only lane.

The court heard Mr Langford's licence had been returned to him six months earlier after he served a 22-month drink drive ban.

Mr Langford said the pensioner stepped out in front of him, and there was nothing he could do to avoid a collision. Passing sentence, judge John Burke said Langford was driving a powerful car like "a frustrated teenager."

Mr Langford had to be cut free from the wreckage of the Ferrari convertible, and suffered serious cuts to his face, a broken shoulder, thumb and finger.

But his death in another crash will not end the taxman's inquiries into his affairs.

Legal experts say repayment of tax will now be pursued through his estate.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

Yes, it must be a case of what goes round,comes round.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

I had heard this on the news yesterday ...... my first thought was "it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy" :rolleyes:

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Tinks, I'm sure you weren't on your own either.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

This is an instance of the ancient Wiccan belief that any distress you cause to an other person will 'rebound' on you.

I don't lie (it diminishes the 'soul') and I never cause anyone harm intentionally and sincerely regret it if it ever happens (sometimes truth hurts)

I am anti religion in all its forms. I find it quite 'creepy' that in my long lifetime any person who has done me harm has come to a sticky end (one early accidental death and several had prolonged painful ill health). Maybe just coincidence, but it has happened so often that it seems more than coincidence. Perhaps this is what some people would call the action of a 'guardian angel' - I just think it is the ancient celtic 'Law of Rebound' in action.Here is a Wiccan article on the subject

http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.htm...=words&id=3801

I am not promoting paganism here - I am a 'humanist' . but this phenomenon of bad deed rebound has been around since civilisation began.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

Margaret.....I too, believe in something similar. I would never go out of my way to harm anyone...and it is amazing to find out that people who have done me down have had their own little episodes of misfortune.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

The man who caused me more harm (mental and physical) than any person in my 65 years came to a sticky end thus

http://archive.lancashireeveningtele...+Anthony+Place

I was not the only person who was a victim of his selfish/sadistic actions - so the rebound effect must have reached enormous proportions by the time of his early death.

I was relieved to learn of his death - no more people will suffer. The 'accident' was never explained - perhaps another victim got revenge - will never know.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

I had no prior knoweldge of this man nor of what has happened to him. He doesnt sound like a very decent human being but thre seems to be a sense from previous respondents that you are happy he is dead- That cant be right can it. I too am not religious but it seems like an odd belief system that advocates taking pleasure or a degree of reassurance from the death of another. Odd world.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

Not 'pleasure' - relief!! - ie -no more victims

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Does it work on evil X's margaret????:D

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LOL - he was one (had a conviction for fraud when I married him - love is blind )

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Well, Accymel...i don't quite know what the other Margaret will say...but personally, I think it does. I know someone who is very close to me...her Ex was a complete and utter b'stard...he intimidated her, followed her around, harassed her, told lies about her to people who knew nothing better than to believe him...he cheated on her, told her she was ugly and worth less and that he had wasted his life on her.....she went from a strong woman to a nervous wreck in six months. Eventually she picked herself up and ditched the abuser...she is now in a happy and fulfilled relationship with a guy who adores her,buys her presents and thinks about her all the time......the guy, well he is with someone who is doing all the things to him that he did to my close friend......so I guess the answer is YES!!!!!

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

I'm with you on this Flash, rather a sadistic outlook on life that can bring good to no one. If you cannot do someone a good turn, or help them, maybe because they do not wish it, do not wish them ill.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

Awwww how cool would that be, just nice to know what goes around come around to bite ya on the butt, cheers both margarets so theres hope yet:D

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No one is wishing anyone ill - we are just making a comment that those who do not live responsibly sometimes come to a sticky end....a little bit of devine intervention perhaps.

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[quote=Margaret Pilkington;409884]Well, Accymel...i don't quite know what the other Margaret will say...but personally, I think it does. I know someone who is very close to me...her Ex was a complete and utter b'stard...he intimidated her, followed her around, harassed her, told lies about her to people who knew nothing better than to believe him...he cheated on her, told her she was ugly and worth less and that he had wasted his life on her.....she went from a strong woman to a nervous wreck in six months.

Been there - done that - got the Tshirt :D

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

Well we cant rely on the justice system for evil pigs:rolleyes: even then no remorse for actions they've done onto, so maybe there is karma up there:)

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Me three:D

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Yep , have to agree, doesn't seem to be much Christian charity or forgiveness about ;) ;)

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You can't really forgive someone who does not realise their actions are detrimental to another person....and makes money out of the suffering of others. Don't you think that is just a bit despicable? (if we are talking about the guy the thread was originally about).

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

I am not a christian (or any religion for that matter)
Some actions I deem unforgivable
I never 'turn the other cheek' - that seems like masocism!
BUT I never take revenge.

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[quote=Margaret Pilkington;409912]You can't really forgive someone who does not realise their actions are detrimental to another person....]


Surely this is EXACTLY the type of person you could forgive as they are clearly acting from a point of ignorance. If you are saying you cant forgive someone who doesnt care that their actions are detrimental to someone else then we could talk about that.

My personal take on the situation is quite a simple one- a human being (all be it a seemingly pretty horrible one) died in a horrific manner- cant dismiss that as 'rebound' because surely that makes us no better than the person we are condeming.
Just a thought.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

Sorry Flashy.....I didn't make myself clear at all. This man did know of the misery he caused to the people who worked for him and didn't get paid.....he lorded it up with his lavish lifestyle and said he didn't care about his workers who were sacked by text message.....plus all the misery his work force caused with his company. While I am not happy that he died the way he did (for any death has consequences for the folk who loved him despite his arrogance -perceived).....I do think it is a case of what goes round comes round. Hope that explains it better.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

i never said owt :confused:

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Surely someone has to show contrition and sorrow for what they have done for them to be truly forgiven...or am i wrong?

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Sorry Flashy.....it was Flash.......names a bit close there :)

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No, Willow forgiving is sanctimonious .. :)

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Interesting point you make- is God vengeful then? And why do only certain wrongdoers meet a sticky end? Have others done some sort of deal to avoid retribution?

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Sorry just realised my last comment did not follow on from the previous one it was ion responbse to the above thread from Margaret

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

Methinks it's now't to do with God !!

Science explains it all !!

Isaac Newton covered it exactly - tis a basic law of the Universe

"To every action , there is an equal and opposite reaction"

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

God is God and can do what he sees fit. I don't know if he has such human attributes as vengeance...though I did onec hear someone quote 'Vengeance is mine saith the Lord' so maybe...just maybe He is...or maybe we here on earth are being admonished not to let vengeance creep into our lives as it is for the Lord to decide on that policy. You take your choice Flash.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

I like that one Mickmc...especially with the signature too :)

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It may seem so, and maybe it feels like that when you first try to do it, in which case you kind of still haven't done it because the thought is going something like "I shall be all magnanimous and noble and forgive you, you lying thieving slimy piece of ......." :D which although you may have said the words means you still aren't feeling the feeling. Like the Native American thing about walking the walk and talking the talk. When you don't forgive somebody it sort of gnaws away at you and makes you feel grouchy, grumpy and lousy. It doesn't actually affect the other person at all. When you are genuinely able to forgive, that doesn't affect them either but boy it doesn't half affect you and feels like a weight being lifted if you are able to let go of the bad feelings. Do you really want to hurt yourself or the person who has hurt you? The answer is probably the latter but when you don't forgive then you're actually doing the former. I don't mean you personally Katex, I've done it myself which is why I know how it feels.

Sticky ends are debateable. We see ends from a mortal perspective - there's more to it than that. Vengeful? No, but certainly just. That's where the Atonement comes into play to counterbalance justice with mercy. It's we humans who tend to do vengeful.

Yes, I agree with you there. A lot of what people see as God's vengeance or divine retribution, or even God not caring what happens to people is actually just a case of 'consequences'. It's one of those things I have to explain to my kids a lot when they think I am being mean. Somebody didn't wash up so there are no clean cups unless somebody else washes them up. But the person who should have washed up has gone swanning off with her mates - so is whoever remains being punished by having to wash up or is it a consequence of her sister's actions?

:D I don't half sound like I've got my Sunday School teacher head on this morning :D

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

[quote=WillowTheWhisp;410559]

Sticky ends are debateable. We see ends from a mortal perspective - there's more to it than that. Vengeful? No, but certainly just. That's where the Atonement comes into play to counterbalance justice with mercy. It's we humans who tend to do vengeful.



Sorry it might be me being thick but I dont understand this. Just a few questions-
1. If God is 'just' this would suggest she/he dispenses justice is that the really the case? and if so my original question stands- why isnt s/he consistent in this justice?
2. 'Counterbalancing justice with mercy'- is that for those who atone?
3. If God really does exist and s/he created the world ala Genesis- why is it flawed? San Andreas Fault, shifting plates, volcanoes etc.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

Well, when you find out the answer to that one you'll have the world in the palm of your hand Flash.

My parents always taught me that I could have anything I wanted as long as i had the ability to pay(oh and the desire to pay of course).
Some things in life we pay for immediately....other things in life we may pay for long after we have forgotten about what we took......what i am trying to say (perhaps not very eloquently)is that every single action we take has consequences...some of which we can see, others we can't see......we have to be prepared in life to take the consequnces for all our actions.....the good ones and the bad ones....and ultimately live with them.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

I respect your ethos completely, might not subscribe fully myself but hats off to your parents for having a clear belief that they obviously imparted well. I am always slightly envious of people with the clarity of thought you display- respect Margaret.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

Thanks Flash...don't get me wrong.....I am not perfect, but then who is?
I just have a fairly firm set of values with which to steer myself through the sometimes heavy waters.....and for that I am heartily grateful to my parents.
And it is Ok for you to not totally subscribe to my ethos...for that is what it is...mine. Everyone has to develop their own sense of being, and values to live by.

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Dont ask me a mountain of questions, there is simply no answer to them all.
"So as you sow, so shall you reap". Having read all the posts to date in this thread, I thought I would just add these words my Grandmother told us, as we left home go out into the wide world.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

It would be nice to believe in some sort of natural justice, but I've known some wicked owd beggars, who live unblemished to a ripe old age.:D

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

Now that might have been their punishment...to live a long life with a guilty conscience.

Re: You Reap What You Sow
 

Predictable answer, but do not think old age is a disease even a perfect person can escape, all will be afflicted even you.;)