I saw dark side of policing before becoming legendary darts referee – some of the things I saw will stay with me forever

FOR 28 YEARS, Russ Bray was known as ‘The Voice’ of darts, the man with the husky-throated ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY calls.

Whenever there were three successive Treble 20s, his signature growl – the result of chain-smoking since the age of 10 – would immediately fill the room and get sozzled fancy-dress punters on their feet.

Refereeing in darts is one of the most complex jobs...