A measly $115 stripped Alan Manly of his life savings, his time and his emotional well-being.
About 20 years ago, Mr Manly, originally from Bacchus Marsh, became involved with a fraudster, and a $115 invoice from the man for photocopying ended up in long-running legal action.
Ten years and many court cases later, Mr Manly finally walked away from the man who had tied down him and his family.
His book, When there are too many lawyers, there is no justice, tells the story of his life, which, he said, was “virtually a smoking ruin”.
“Writing the book was a fulfilling, cathartic journey,” Mr Manly said. “After nine drafts – and each draft I read three times – I finally stopped crying.”
After paying more than $100,000 to lawyers, Mr Manly finally decided to represent himself in court.
The now-Sydney resident was lucky enough to survive with his marriage intact, but he discourages others from following the path he took. “Would I recommend it? I wouldn’t recommend representing yourself,” he said.
“Mine wasn’t a story of principle.
“I was trapped by a person who wouldn’t get out of my life, even though I wanted to get rid of him.”
Mr Manly dropped out of Bacchus Marsh High School, now known as Bacchus Marsh College, in year 9 before working as a postman, television repairman, computer engineer, sales and marketing assistant. He now works in the education sector.
