'Prison Lotto Winner' British Sexual Offender... Even as a 18 Billion Won Rich Man, Residents Say "Get Out"

130 Billion Won Lotto Win 20 Years Ago
Wealth Grown Through Investments

The recent status of a British rapist who won a ?7.2 million (approximately 13 billion KRW) lottery 20 years ago has been revealed.

On the 21st (local time), The Sun in the UK disclosed the recent status of Yorworth Hoare (71), who is known as the so-called 'lottery rapist.' According to reports, Hoare committed a series of rapes starting at the age of 21 and had been incarcerated since 1989. During this time, in August 2004, while on leave from an open prison, he purchased a lottery ticket that won, sparking public outrage.

A British sex offender who won approximately 13 billion won in the lottery.
[Image source=SPLASH·The Sun]

At that time, gambling was prohibited for inmates, but the lottery was not illegal. It is reported that he boasted to fellow inmates, saying things like "I will be healthy for life."

Eventually, Hoare was released in March 2005 and received the ?7.2 million lottery winnings. Furthermore, it is known that he increased his wealth to over 18 billion KRW through investments.

After his release, his whereabouts became unclear. However, it was later revealed through the media that Hoare had changed his name to 'Edward Thomas.' He also moved to Dallas Hall near Newcastle, where it is known that former footballer Alan Shearer, the all-time top scorer in the England Premier League (EPL), once lived nearby.

Currently, he lives in a small village in northern England. Recently, a photo capturing his image near his home, valued at around 900 million KRW, was taken. In the photo, Hoare was seen walking while carrying a shopping bag, wearing a worn shirt and jeans.

However, local residents living near him are trembling with fear. Some have stated that they are trying to sell their homes. An anonymous neighbor said, "Why would we try to sell our houses? It's all because of him," and added, "I know he committed crimes. He has lived there for several years, and it has been really uncomfortable."

Other residents also expressed reactions such as, "It's a complete nightmare. We see him every day. The women here do not want to be alone," "It's scary. We no longer want to live here," and "If we tell people where we live, everyone knows our residence is next to the 'lottery rapist.' That's why it's hard to sell our houses."