Soccer ban on ex-con Hughes

Aug 22 2007 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

DISGRACED former West Bromwich Albion star Lee Hughes was hit with a suspension even before he resumes his football career following his release from prison.

Hughes, 31, who was smuggled out of Featherstone Prison, near Wolverhampton, early on Monday morning after serving half of a six-year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving, was sent off in his last prison game.

The striker will now have to serve a one-week ban from September 3, meaning he is unlikely to play a league game for new club Oldham Athletic until mid-September.

Albion terminated Hughes's contract in August 2004 when he was jailed for causing the death of father-of-four Douglas Graham in a crash near his home in Meriden, Coventry, in November 2003.

Hughes fled the scene, handing himself into police more than 24 hours later.

Months after Hughes was sentenced Mr Graham's wife Maureen died, having apparently never recovered from the after-effects of the crash and the loss of her husband.

Albert Frisby, aged 62, who was driving the car into which Hughes ploughed his £100,000 Mercedes, said he was "deeply upset" about him resuming his career.

But Oldham director Barry Owen begged fans not to taunt Hughes.

"He has served his time and should be allowed to get on with his job."