Disgraced footballer 'could be free in months'

Feb 12 2007 By Tony Deeley, Birmingham Mail

DISGRACED former West Bromwich Albion star Lee Hughes could be out of jail this summer, according to a report.

The former Baggies striker was sentenced to six years' imprisonment in August 2004 after fleeing from the scene of a crash which killed a father-of-four and left another man crippled for life.

But a report in a national newspaper said he had a parole board hearing in May and hoped to leave jail in August.

Should that be the case, he will have served just half his sentence.

It would also mean he could start playing football again next season, should a club be willing to make him an offer.

Douglas Graham, a 56-year-old passenger, died after Hughes' £100,000 Mercedes ploughed into a car being driven by Albert Frisby, in Coventry, in November 2003.

Mr Frisby, aged 61, was left crippled for life, while Mr Graham's wife, Maureen, aged 52, who was also an injured occupant of the car, died in December 2004.

Hughes's legal team were said to be preparing documents detailing his remorse over the death of Mr Graham in the incident.

He was also said to have written a letter of apology to Mr Frisby.

A source close to Hughes said he was working towards being released in August from Ranby Prison, in Nottinghamshire, where he plays for the football team.

"The early noises coming from the parole board look good," said the informant.

Hughes' family, who live in Warley, have declined to speak to the media.