Zoe Ball’s late boyfriend Billy Yates fell victim to convicted fraudster before he was found hanged in his London flat
Tragic lover used accountant Christopher Lunn who was jailed for five years in 2016 leaving clients with huge bills
ZOE Ball’s tragic lover Billy Yates was “put under enormous pressure” after he became a victim of a convicted fraudster.
Billy, 40, used accountant Christopher Lunn, who was jailed for five years in 2016 — leaving many clients with huge, unexpected tax bills.
Sources say it added to the stresses of Billy, who was found hanged on Thursday.
A source said: “Billy suffered from depression but the strain of being left with an unexpected tax bill hit him hard.
“These sorts of things are a considerable concern for anyone — but it’s particularly tough when someone already has mental health issues to overcome.
“Fortunately he had a supportive network of family and friends around him.”
There is no suggestion Lunn’s clients, who included TV’s Fiona Bruce and actress Sadie Frost, were aware of his activities.
But many found themselves with sizeable bills to pay back.
After he was sentenced the Taxman said: “This investigation has already recovered £20million as Lunn’s former clients settle their tax liabilities, with more to come.”
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It is understood the financial issues added to Billy’s emotional fragility.
However, it is not clear what prompted the Xtra Factor cameraman to take his own life at his flat in Putney, South London.
A source said Radio 2 DJ Zoe, 46, “is trying to get her head around it but she’s very delicate”.
- If you want to talk to someone about issues raised in this story, call the Samaritans on 116 123.