The Travelodge Digger Driver Has Been Identified, As His Family Reveal His Mental Health Issues

I don’t think when I first saw that video of the digger destroying the Travelodge on Monday that it would really develop into the story that it has, but here I am writing my fourth piece about it this week.

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Earlier today, we told you that The Sun had spoken an anonymous source who claimed that the builder had actually been paid, he just didn’t check his account in time and that’s what actually sent him on this rampage. His cousin has now come forward and spoken to The Liverpool Echo and is stating that this is a complete lie and that the builder – finally identified as 35 year old John Manley – is actually suffering from mental health issues that he’s been trying to receive treatment for for some time now.

Here’s what 43 year old Jason Pellegrini had to say about the situation, revealing that John (pictured below) had now started to receive some psychiatric help:

John Manley did not get paid on Monday, I know this as he does not have a bank account as he did not have the necessary identification, his wages, when paid, go into a family members’ account.

This was checked on Monday and there was £20 donated by a friend. If, as has been reported, there was an alleged glitch in the system,  why would the boss refuse to answer any calls or messages which John left? Should he not explain this to his workers who break their back in a physically demanding job and just want a honest wage?

We would like to highlight the fact again we do not condone John’s actions for the simple fact someone could have been seriously injured or worse; pay disputes can be handled in different ways.

Potentially if the unions had more power it could be resolved that way, however I doubt that will happen whilst we have the muppets in charge of our country.

I have no sympathy for large corporate companies which refuse to pay their workers which keep their profits and companies afloat, none whatsoever; bosses pay your workers.

Many of these people have zero funds in their account come pay day so they deserve a valid explanation.

John Manley is no angel, he has been no angel, but this is not about his character it’s about a man who is clearly unwell and getting the help he needs now, which he should have had months ago.

We would like to thank everyone for their amazing generosity for John’s fund, however John’s final words before being sent to hospital on the verge of a breakdown were that all he wanted was his wages and his fellow colleagues to be paid.

Maybe if you wish to help consider donations to mental health charities as this is still a grossly misunderstood, underfunded and stigmatised area; support your union and above all consider an alternative government when voting at the next general election.

Wow. There’s a lot going on there and I think that most of it is probably legit. Like I said earlier, I don’t think it’s the right way to react to the issue by smashing up the place with a digger, but obviously Manley – and the rest of the workers – deserve to be paid for their efforts on the site. Hopefully he’s already got his money and sorts out his mental health issues as well. Best of luck.

For more on this, check out the story that he forgot to check his account. Seems like that’s completely ridiculous now.