As well as making deliveries in a top-of-the range Audi, the former Thames Water contractor bought a van, to which he fitted the water board’s livery [and wore old uniform] to make it easier for him to get around."

Driving around in a van and get-up of a firm you no longer work for seems a tad stupid, despite it appearing quite shrewd at first. Should have stuck with the Audi perhaps - no one wants to deal with an Audi driver especially.

Wood was paid a ‘golden hello’ of £1,000 by the gang then promised a salary of £2,500-a-month for his part in the nationwide cocaine business

Barely 30k? I thought electricians made more than that

I doubt he paid tax and NI on that though.

Presumably the hours were better than 9-5 as well.

Free bugle (probably).