Reggie Kray's Jail Time: The Real Reason Why

The question of why Reggie Kray went to jail is central to understanding the narrative of the film Legend and the real-life story of the Kray twins. Let's dive into the intricate details of Reggie Kray's criminal activities, the evidence against him, and the ultimate legal proceedings that led to his incarceration. Understanding the specifics of his crimes and the context in which they occurred provides a comprehensive picture of one of Britain's most notorious gangsters.

The Crimes of Reggie Kray

Reggie Kray, along with his twin brother Ronnie, was deeply involved in a plethora of criminal activities that spanned much of their adult lives. These activities formed the foundation of their infamy and, ultimately, their downfall. Reggie's crimes were not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of organized crime that terrorized London's East End. His rap sheet included:

• Extortion and Protection Rackets: The Kray twins built their empire on fear, demanding protection money from local businesses. Those who refused to pay often faced violence, intimidation, or even destruction of their property. Reggie was instrumental in managing and enforcing these rackets.
• Assault and GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm): Violence was a common tool for the Krays, and Reggie was no stranger to physical altercations. He was known for his quick temper and willingness to resort to violence to maintain control and discipline within their gang.
• Illegal Gambling: The Krays ran several illegal gambling dens, which were a significant source of income. These establishments were often fronts for other criminal activities and were heavily protected by the twins' associates.
• Armed Robbery: While not as frequent as other crimes, Reggie was involved in armed robberies, further cementing his reputation as a dangerous criminal.
• Murder: The most serious and consequential crime was his involvement in the murder of George Cornell. This act ultimately led to his conviction and long-term imprisonment.

The cumulative effect of these crimes created an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness, making it difficult for law enforcement to gather evidence and bring the Krays to justice.

The Murder of George Cornell

The murder of George Cornell was a pivotal event that significantly contributed to Reggie Kray's downfall. Cornell, an associate of a rival gang, was shot dead at the Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel on March 9, 1966. Reggie Kray was identified as the shooter, and this act of violence became a key piece of evidence in the case against him.

Events Leading to the Murder

The events leading up to Cornell's murder were complex, involving ongoing tensions and rivalries between the Kray twins and other criminal factions in London. Cornell had reportedly insulted Ronnie Kray, which infuriated the twins and set in motion the events that led to his death. The insult was seen as a direct challenge to the Krays' authority and reputation, and they felt compelled to respond decisively.

The Shooting at the Blind Beggar

On the day of the murder, Reggie Kray, accompanied by associates, entered the Blind Beggar pub. He approached George Cornell and shot him in the head at close range. The brazen nature of the crime, carried out in broad daylight and in a public place, shocked the community and demonstrated the Krays' complete disregard for the law.

Aftermath and Initial Investigation

The immediate aftermath of the shooting was chaotic. Witnesses were terrified to come forward, fearing retribution from the Krays and their associates. The initial police investigation was hampered by a lack of cooperation and a climate of fear. However, the police were determined to bring the perpetrators to justice, and they began to gather evidence and build a case against Reggie Kray.

The Role of Witnesses and Evidence

Securing reliable witnesses and gathering concrete evidence were critical challenges in the investigation against Reggie Kray. The Kray twins had created an environment of fear, making people reluctant to testify against them. However, several key individuals eventually came forward, providing crucial testimonies that helped build the case.

Key Witnesses

• Individuals Present at the Blind Beggar: Some patrons of the Blind Beggar pub who witnessed the shooting eventually provided statements to the police, despite the risks involved. Their testimonies helped to establish Reggie Kray's presence at the scene and his direct involvement in the murder.
• Former Associates: Several former associates of the Kray twins, who had fallen out of favor or sought to escape their criminal enterprise, provided valuable information to the police. They offered insights into the Krays' operations, their methods of intimidation, and their involvement in various crimes.
• Informants: Police informants played a crucial role in gathering intelligence and connecting the dots in the investigation. These individuals, embedded within the criminal underworld, provided valuable leads and helped to uncover evidence that would otherwise have remained hidden.

Types of Evidence

The evidence against Reggie Kray was multifaceted and included:

• Witness Testimonies: As mentioned above, witness accounts were critical in establishing Reggie's presence at the scene of the crime and his direct involvement in the shooting.
• Forensic Evidence: Although forensic science was less advanced at the time, investigators were able to gather some physical evidence from the crime scene, which helped to corroborate witness statements.
• Circumstantial Evidence: A significant amount of circumstantial evidence, such as Reggie's known animosity towards George Cornell and his reputation for violence, helped to strengthen the case against him.
• Police Surveillance: The police had been monitoring the Kray twins for some time and had gathered intelligence on their activities, which provided context and background information for the investigation.

The Trial and Conviction

The trial of Reggie Kray and his associates was a high-profile event that captivated the British public. The proceedings were closely followed by the media, and the courtroom was packed with observers eager to witness the outcome of the case.

Legal Proceedings

The trial was complex and lengthy, involving numerous witnesses, pieces of evidence, and legal arguments. The prosecution presented a compelling case against Reggie Kray, highlighting his involvement in the murder of George Cornell and his broader criminal activities. The defense attempted to discredit the witnesses and cast doubt on the evidence, but they faced an uphill battle.

The Verdict

After deliberating for several days, the jury reached a verdict. Reggie Kray was found guilty of the murder of George Cornell. This conviction was a significant victory for law enforcement and marked the beginning of the end for the Kray twins' reign of terror.

Sentencing

Reggie Kray was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of George Cornell. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the need to protect the public from further violence. The sentence effectively removed Reggie Kray from the streets and brought a sense of closure to the victims of his crimes.

Imprisonment and Later Life

Reggie Kray spent the remainder of his life in prison. During his incarceration, he remained a notorious figure, and his activities were closely monitored by prison authorities. Despite being behind bars, he continued to exert influence and maintain connections with the outside world.

Life in Prison

Life in prison was challenging for Reggie Kray. He faced numerous difficulties, including conflicts with other inmates, restrictions on his freedom, and the psychological toll of long-term confinement. However, he adapted to his new reality and found ways to cope with the challenges.

Continued Notoriety

Even in prison, Reggie Kray remained a public figure. He gave interviews to the media, wrote books, and received visits from celebrities and admirers. His notoriety continued to fascinate the public, and he remained a subject of intense interest.

Death

Reggie Kray died of cancer on October 1, 2000, while still in prison. His death marked the end of an era and brought a final chapter to the story of the Kray twins. His legacy remains a complex and controversial one, and his life continues to be the subject of books, films, and documentaries.

In summary, Reggie Kray went to jail primarily for the murder of George Cornell, a crime that was the culmination of years of violence, extortion, and organized crime. The evidence, witness testimonies, and legal proceedings all contributed to his conviction and subsequent imprisonment, marking a significant turning point in the fight against organized crime in London.