Rapist millionaire led toxic culture at firm that made his fortune

UKFast founder Lawrence Jones faces years behind bars following convictions for two rapes and one sexual assault. John Scheerhout and Amy Walker delve into the grimy environment at a company commanded by a predator - and how Jones lost his kingdom when his web of lies unravelled and his dark secrets were exposed

- John Scheerhout and Amy Walker

AT ITS height, UK Fast was one of the biggest firms in the country.

The internet hosting company - the brainchild of wife-husband duo Lawrence and Gail Jones - was making a fortune and had a huge workforce.

The firm, which boasted thousands of clients, promoted a close working relationship between employees. Its motto read: "Your future is our business." What started in a spare bedroom became a true business powerhouse.

Based on Princess Parkway, just outside Manchester city centre in Hulme, its complex had a massive slide from the top floor to reception, with bean bags at the bottom.

The perks were seemingly non-stop. Staff were treated to a free gym and a games room, as well as private medical insurance. 'Beer Fridays' were a regular, celebrated event. There were summer festivals - UKFest - held at the couple's home.

Workers were taken on team bonding trips. Some members of staff were given access to the couple's ski chalet.

To an outsider, it appeared the perfect place for a young professional to further their career. But multi-millionaire tech tycoon Lawrence Jones one of the north west's best-known entrepreneurs - walked those floors with a dark secret.

The bombastic business 'guru' was a rapist who hadn't yet faced justice, having carried out two attacks in the late 1990s. He 'stupefied' two young women with drugs before attacking them at his Salford flat.

Before he became a millionaire, sleazy Jones spoke to beautiful young women while he was a pianist playing in topend hotels across Manchester like the Octagon Lounge at The Midland. The former chorister liked to give them the impression he was going places.

The married father, who has four daughters, went on to build an empire.

He was a mentor to young people, rubbed shoulders with business - and actual - royalty and political bigwigs.

But the awful truth was later finally revealed and his world crumbled.