A birthday barbecue at a Cheshire country house is gate-crashed by a motorcycle gang. Lomax, who is working as a part-time barman, attracts the attention of a tipsy woman, the mother of the party girl, who demands he drive her home. They arrive back at the country house as the police are dealing with the gate-crashing bikers.

Lomax and Steve, Max's son, spend a week together on the canals; Steve challenges Max to prove his innocence. He knows his father needs money to finance his quest and robs a betting shop. However, the shop belongs to local gang boss, Jack Ormand, who sets his heavies on the trail.

It is winter; Lomax, holed up in remote farmland, becomes a suspect in a rustling case. He meets up with an ex-cell mate, Granny Jackson, who gives him a lead to the real thieves.