Well this is certainly an interesting read if like me you haven’t the slightest inkling towards violence. A lot of tough guys seem to talk the talk but this autobiography about Roy Shaw, who was one of the Britain’s most ruthless criminals in the 20th century shows that he walked the walk. Born in 1936 (died in 2012), he ran in the same circles as London based criminals Reggie and Ronnie Kray, and even spent time in prison with Ronnie Biggs. Until I read this book I have to admit I’d never heard of the name but I’ve always had an interest in the criminal mind so thought it would be worth a read.
I am a believer of life is what you make of it and I think Roy made life extremely difficult for himself by using violence as a knee jerk reaction to any problem. In fact fighting seemed to get himself into, and out of, most situations. He was sentenced to prison from the age of 27 for 18 years and constantly moved around for causing so much trouble wherever he was incarcerated. He also did a stint at Broadmoor hospital for the criminally insane where he almost died under the treatment of the doctors there. One part of the book that sticks in my mind is how his marriage broke down when he was in prison. After being released he went to his wife’s home to find her new man in there telling her he loved her so Roy threw him over the balcony and says unfortunately he never killed him!
It did sound like there were times when he wanted to get his life on the straight and narrow like when he wanted to take up professional boxing, but because of his past he was denied a licence and ended up taking to unlicensed boxing where he did pretty well and defeated a lot of tough opponents giving him the title of “the guv’nor” for a while.
Definitely recommend reading if you have any interest in true crime or boxing. Even worth reading for some of the stories he has to tell.
Favourite quote from the book:
“You earn respect and demand fear.” Galoore in Malta, Pg75.
Overall: 73%