THE man who was wrongly accused of murdering young mum Rachel Nickell has revealed he is living in a homeless shelter after blowing his £706,000 compensation.
Colin Stagg was handed the payout by the Home Office in 2008 to help "rebuild his life" after being the victim of a Met Police honey-trap operation.
But he admits that getting the cash felt "a bit like winning the lottery" and he splashed out on cars, holidays and gifts for loved ones because he wanted "to live for the moment" after his ordeal.
Now, he has burned through the payout and turned 60 last month living in a council emergency shelter after his girlfriend kicked him out in April.
Colin said: "It's a terrible shock being homeless at my age. All I've ever wanted is a quiet life.
"I never had big ambitions but I certainly didn't see myself spending my 60th birthday in a homeless hostel.
Former model Rachel, 23, was stabbed to death in front of her twoyear-old son while walking her dog on Wimbledon Common, South West London, in July 1992.
Denne historien er fra June 04, 2023-utgaven av The Sunday Mirror.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 04, 2023-utgaven av The Sunday Mirror.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
DINE & DASH
No worry Wolves enjoy try feast... as 'no effort Giants pay bill
LOOK BAKU IN ANGER. LANDO
Norris sees world title bid dented as the wheels come off in qualifying nightmare | \"My car's quick but don't expect magic from 16th on this street circuit...
Mum saved my life and now against the odds I've had my own miracle baby
EVERY year, grateful Jessica Chriss celebrates two birthdays.
My bond with mum of Brianna's killer
Esther Ghey thanks murderer Scarlett's mother for support as festival opens
FURY AT WHITE WIDOW MOVIE EL
survivor Mall massacre slams 'biased' project
Talk to your children about their feelings
Tom & Giovanna back mental health campaign
I wanted revenge now I'm fighting to end the violence
WHEN Tim Edwards’ daughter Elle was killed in the crossfire of a senseless gang war, understandably he wanted retribution.
OOPS..WE BOOKED INTO A SEX HOTEL
Kelly Brook on her night in naughty motel with hubby
It's time for Harry to stop living in the past
PRINCE Harry's 40th birthday is a milestone in more ways than one.
A HUG FOR SVEN
Statue of tate Enqtand. boss in his home town to be heated so It's warm to touch