Millionaire who built 'Britain's best man cave' could be jailed again if building isn't stripped

A 70-year-old millionaire who illegally built 'Britain's best man cave' may be sent back to prison if he continues to use it.

On 12 August, 2022, Graham Wildin from Gloucester was sent to prison for six weeks over his 10,000 square-foot 'man cave' comprising of a bowling alley, cinema, squash courts, private casino and bar - an extension he built in 2014.

However, Wildin didn't get any planning permission for his 'man cave'.

He was originally threatened with a hefty £300,000 fine, and he also refused to tear the complex down - leading to him subsequently being arrested and serving six weeks behind bars.

Now, following his release, Wildin could potentially face another stint inside if he fails to comply with a court order, revealed on Friday (27 January), to 'soft strip' the insides of the building and make it unusable.

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Wildin was given 18 weeks after his release from prison to comply with the order.

While removal vans have been spotted outside the property in recent weeks, it is uncertain whether Wildin has carried out the instructions of the court order.

If he hasn't, he could well face more time in prison.

However, Wilden is reported as having appealed the prison term and so a decision on whether he faces another prison sentence could be postponed until the appeal hearing has taken place on 1 March.

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Whether he faces another stint in prison or not, Wildin is certain to face more outrage from his neighbours who have previously spoken out against the millionaire.

After he was imprisoned last year, one neighbour said: "This hopefully marks the start of justice being done but the problems for the neighbours aren't going to end overnight.

"It is the beginning of the end but nowhere near the end. At least some action has been taken as it has been a very stressful time for all the neighbours."

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Another added: "He's not very well liked. He's upset everybody on this road by flouting planning rules and then parking his collection of classic cars everywhere.

"He gets up everybody's back, and to him it's payback time for all the people on this road.

"We don't see him very often. It's just a shame because he used to be part of the community and would join us in street parties and stuff, but now he's just annoyed everyone on the road and treats us badly.

"I don't know how they're going to knock down the buildings now though he's give away his houses, but hopefully they will find a way."

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Paul Hiett, the case deputy council leader of Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, said: "In what should have been a completely avoidable situation, Mr Wildin has continually ignored planning law and policies.

"The law is the law and we won't give up pursuing Mr Wildin and ensuring that he complies with the legislation in exactly the same way as everyone else.

"As a council, it is important to ensure that development proposals improve the environments in which they exist, whilst safeguarding the community."

LADbible has contacted Wildin for comment.