What a pair of scum bags

I agree

Shouldn't they have given the person back their ticket even if it wasn't a winner?  I ask for mine back and this just proves you can't trust that the newsagent/shop assistant is telling you the truth 

Yes they should Pengy, i used to work in a lottery selling news agent and we always handed tickets straight back when asked to check if they were winners

I always check on line or on Teletext

Failing that ... a reputable place like Tesco/ASDA etc ...

I check mine on line too Renton.... or rather on my app......

"etc" being the operative word.

That's why I always check them myself!

What a twot!    Have to admit, I would ALSO want the ticket back!

What a sad story. 

A moment of madness and all those lives ruined. 

Crikey.  I agree.  I didn't realise the shop owner had gone to jail.

Both of them and their ten year old daughter is being looked after by relatives.

People do trust the shopkeepers/assistants too much if they are local and have been going to the same place for years.  My parents wouldn't think twice at not being handed back the ticket after it has been checked.  Although my Ma would probably be one of those people who would give her bank details to those millionaires who email you to help them get their money out of a war torn country  Anyway....point being, some people are way too trusting and don't realise how many people would stab you in the back for a few quid.