An artist who swapped a life of crime to be a sculptor plans to take Edinburgh Zoo to court over the sale of two of his statues on Salvage Hunters.
The Record revealed last year that presenter and antique dealer Drew Pritchard bought two gorilla heads by Hugh Collins for £1200 on a visit in 2016.
The programme was broadcast in 2017 but former gangster Hugh, 69, who lives in the Borders, had not been told about it.
After a repeat last year, he contacted the zoo expecting an explanation for the failure to seek his permission and an apology. He says he is now angry that a year has passed and he has been treated with contempt by zoo bosses.
Hugh, who has dementia, said: “It’s not about money. I don’t need much and any share of £1200 is not going to change my life.
“But I want to see the zoo’s management in court because of the way they’ve treated me.
“I’ve instructed my lawyer to look at options because I’ve been treated with absolute contempt.
“They’ve taken a liberty with my work and they haven’t acknowledged it or apologised for it.”
Hugh was transformed from Scotland’s most dangerous prisoner to skilled sculptor while in Barlinnie’s Special Unit.
Ben Supple, director of engagement at the Royal Zoological Society Scotland, which runs the zoo, said: “We discussed this matter with Mr Collins in June last year. Both sculptures were sold in good faith by our charity.” Pritchard was asked for comment.
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