I saved a man's life for £8. What had been the price on his head?

A few weeks ago I blogged about how I saved Jay's life for £8 (here). I recently heard a bit more of his story about how he ended up living on the streets.

Jay is bright and articulate, but does have a major drugs issue and also mental health problems. When his benefits failed to materialise one week he had no money to pay the rent. This prompted a computer to spew out a letter demanding that action would be taken if his arrears were not paid. Jay, not being able to comprehend what was going on, simply walked out of the flat fearful that he would end up in jail. And there he remained for 2 years, living in a tent, eating when he could, hiding from those chasing him for the money. Haunted by his current predicament, hunted by his fears.

And how much did Jay owe? £37.

Apparently I, like every citizen of this country, paid £40,000 to bail out the banks. Jay had two years taken from his life. Two years living in misery and sight of death - just for a lousy £37.

Unbelievable.