His book, “Contrabandista” is both a memoir and true crime story at the same time. It is the first he has written, and due for publication on 15th April, 2024. Though his first published work at this level he had a two-part article published in the much-respected but now defunct magazine, Punch, in 1998.

 He has written many other articles, commentaries, poetry etc since a young man, but always for private pleasure. Only recently has he realised that simply writing is what he ought to have done professionally since way back – but “life got in the way!” His father was a journalist and author so Tom says it must run in the blood. He always held Mr Hutton senior as his main inspiration.

Our Mr Hutton, the “Contrabandista” of the title, has always prided himself on his fierce independence, having been a rebellious youngster – though with good cause. He has always championed freedom to do whatever one wishes (within reason naturally), however unconventional. This sums up the story of his life, as you’ll see if you read his book. So freedom of spirit has been his life force, together with his devotion to the cause of love.

Back to his book. His exploits were actually the stuff of legend, and at present he finds it hard to believe it was he who lived through those tumultuous times in the US, Spain and even in his own home town, and did all those infamous deeds. All his varied and often scary experiences are here in this book. And he gives an insightful account of the backdrop to it all, the rise and fall of the Medellin Cartel, and how the cocaine business functions in reality.

Finally, in no small measure he makes quite clear his deep love for his “second country”, his wife’s beautiful land of Colombia, ever since his first visit there back in 1977. His book, Tales of an English Contrabandista, is a living testimony to that unconditional love. It’s a pretty big book, true, but do read it … it’s an honest-to-goodness eye-opener. His message is crystal clear: do NOT get involved in the cocaine trade – or else!