Brian, you and I once discussed this (on the telephone, I think), but seeing it on the written page brings home the stark, very sad, reality of what alcohol can do to us if we allow it. The thought that this lad had once been the hapless victim of a piece of human garbage masquerading as a pillar of trust and respectability sickens me. Such things can come back to haunt in later life and sometimes booze and /or drugs is the only escape (albeit temporary) from the awful, nagging, memory of what has gone before. In this instance there may have been other factors that combined to bring about the destruction of a promising and prosperous life. Sadly, as is so often the case, the impact of all this also shatters the lives of family and loved ones...those who care. Although cold and impersonal, 'colateral damage' probably best describes it. A tragic story, mate.
Roger