Reggie Kray's Jail Time In Legend: The Real Story

Hey guys! Let's dive into the real story behind why Reggie Kray ended up behind bars, especially as it's portrayed in the movie Legend. It's a complex tale involving violence, criminal enterprises, and the eventual downfall of one of London's most notorious gangsters. Understanding the real reasons Reggie Kray was imprisoned gives us a clearer picture of the man, his actions, and the consequences he faced. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

The Criminal Activities Leading to Reggie Kray's Arrest

Reggie Kray's path to imprisonment was paved with a series of criminal activities that escalated over time. The Kray twins, Reggie and Ronnie, were deeply involved in organized crime, running a vast network of illegal enterprises in London's East End during the 1950s and 60s. These activities included extortion, armed robbery, and managing nightclubs that served as fronts for their operations. Extortion, in particular, was a significant source of income and control for the Krays. They would demand protection money from local businesses, using threats and violence to ensure compliance. This created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, solidifying their power in the community. Armed robbery was another facet of their criminal empire, contributing to their wealth and reputation. Beyond these activities, the Kray twins were known for their involvement in illegal gambling, protection rackets, and the distribution of illicit goods. Their nightclubs, such as the Esmeralda Barn, were not only places for entertainment but also served as hubs for criminal transactions and meetings. The twins cultivated relationships with other criminals, celebrities, and even politicians, which further complicated their story and made them almost untouchable for a long time. These connections provided them with a layer of protection and influence, allowing their criminal activities to continue unchecked for years. However, the increasing violence and notoriety eventually drew the attention of law enforcement, setting the stage for their eventual downfall and imprisonment.

The Murder of George Cornell

One of the key events that led to Reggie Kray's imprisonment was the murder of George Cornell. This act of violence was a turning point, marking a significant escalation in the Kray twins' criminal activities and ultimately contributing to their downfall. George Cornell was an associate of a rival gang, the Richardsons, and his murder was the result of a long-standing feud between the two groups. In March 1966, Cornell was sitting at the bar of the Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel when Reggie Kray walked in and shot him dead. The murder was brazen and public, sending shockwaves through London's criminal underworld and beyond. Several factors motivated Reggie Kray to commit this crime. Tensions between the Krays and the Richardsons had been escalating for some time, with numerous clashes and confrontations. Additionally, Cornell had reportedly made disparaging remarks about Ronnie Kray's sexuality, which further fueled the animosity. The murder of George Cornell was not only a brutal act of violence but also a statement of power and dominance by the Kray twins. It sent a clear message to their rivals and the rest of the criminal world that they were not to be trifled with. However, this act also brought increased scrutiny from law enforcement and the public, ultimately leading to their arrest and conviction. The murder of George Cornell remains one of the most infamous events in the Kray twins' criminal history, and its impact cannot be overstated.

The Murder of Jack "The Hat" McVitie

Another pivotal event that sealed Reggie Kray's fate was the murder of Jack "The Hat" McVitie. This gruesome act further cemented the Kray twins' reputation for brutality and played a crucial role in their eventual conviction. Jack McVitie was a minor member of the Kray's gang who had fallen out of favor. He had allegedly failed to fulfill a contract and had become increasingly unreliable, causing concern among the twins. In October 1967, Reggie Kray, along with his brother Ronnie and several associates, lured McVitie to a party in Stoke Newington. There, in a fit of rage, Reggie stabbed McVitie to death. The circumstances surrounding McVitie's murder were particularly gruesome. His body was never found, and it was rumored that it had been disposed of in the sea. The murder was a turning point for many of the Kray's associates, some of whom began to fear for their own lives and consider turning against the twins. The death of Jack McVitie had significant repercussions for the Kray twins. It created a climate of fear and distrust within their organization, leading some members to cooperate with the police. This cooperation provided law enforcement with crucial evidence and testimony, which was essential in building a case against the Krays. The murder of McVitie, combined with the earlier murder of George Cornell, painted a clear picture of the Kray twins as violent and dangerous criminals, making it increasingly difficult for them to evade justice. This event marked a critical juncture in their criminal careers, ultimately leading to their downfall and imprisonment.

Police Investigation and Arrest

The police investigation into the Kray twins' criminal activities was a long and arduous process, marked by challenges and setbacks. For years, law enforcement had struggled to gather enough evidence to bring the Krays to justice, due to the climate of fear and intimidation they had created. Witnesses were often reluctant to come forward, fearing retribution from the twins and their associates. However, the murders of George Cornell and Jack "The Hat" McVitie, along with growing public concern, put increasing pressure on the police to act. Detective Chief Superintendent Leonard "Nipper" Read was assigned to lead the investigation, and he dedicated himself to building a case against the Krays. Read and his team faced numerous obstacles, including uncooperative witnesses, lack of physical evidence, and the Kray's extensive network of contacts and influence. However, they persevered, meticulously gathering information and building trust with potential witnesses. One of the key breakthroughs in the investigation came when several former associates of the Krays decided to cooperate with the police. These individuals provided crucial testimony about the twins' criminal activities, including details about the murders of Cornell and McVitie. This evidence, combined with other information gathered by the police, was enough to secure arrest warrants for Reggie and Ronnie Kray, as well as several of their associates. In May 1968, the police launched a series of raids across London, arresting the Kray twins and their key accomplices. The arrests marked the end of an era of fear and violence in London's East End and brought a sense of relief to the community. The police investigation was a testament to the determination and dedication of law enforcement in the face of significant challenges.

The Trial and Conviction of Reggie Kray

The trial of Reggie Kray and his associates was a highly publicized event that captivated the nation. The proceedings took place at the Old Bailey in 1969 and lasted for several weeks. The prosecution presented a compelling case against the Krays, relying on witness testimony, forensic evidence, and other information gathered during the police investigation. Several former associates of the Krays testified against them, providing detailed accounts of their criminal activities, including the murders of George Cornell and Jack "The Hat" McVitie. These witnesses faced intense pressure and intimidation, but their courage in coming forward was crucial to the prosecution's case. The defense team attempted to discredit the witnesses and argue that the evidence was insufficient to prove Reggie Kray's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the prosecution's case was strong, and the jury was ultimately convinced of the Krays' guilt. After deliberating for several hours, the jury returned a verdict of guilty for both Reggie and Ronnie Kray on charges of murder. Reggie Kray was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 30 years. This sentence reflected the severity of his crimes and the impact they had on the community. The conviction of Reggie Kray marked the end of his reign of terror and brought a sense of closure to the victims and their families. The trial and conviction of Reggie Kray were significant events in British legal history, highlighting the importance of justice and accountability, regardless of the power and influence of the accused.

Life in Prison and Later Years

Reggie Kray's life in prison was marked by a mix of notoriety, attempts at rehabilitation, and continued involvement in the criminal world. Despite being incarcerated, he remained a figure of public fascination, and his actions were closely followed by the media. During his time in prison, Reggie made several attempts to portray himself as a reformed character. He wrote books, gave interviews, and even became involved in charitable activities. However, there were also reports of him continuing to exert influence over criminal activities from behind bars. He was known to have maintained contact with associates on the outside and was allegedly involved in various schemes and operations. Reggie Kray spent time in several different prisons throughout his incarceration, and he faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with other inmates and disciplinary issues. However, he also developed relationships with some prison staff and fellow inmates. In his later years, Reggie Kray's health began to decline, and he suffered from various medical conditions. He was eventually released from prison on compassionate grounds in August 2000, after serving more than 30 years. However, his freedom was short-lived, as he died of cancer just a few weeks later. Reggie Kray's life in prison and his later years were a complex and contradictory mix of attempts at redemption and continued involvement in the criminal underworld. His story remains a subject of fascination and debate, highlighting the challenges of rehabilitation and the enduring impact of a life of crime. So, there you have it – the reasons why Reggie Kray went to jail. It's a wild story, right?