- In the final episode of the series, Bernie attempts to answer the age old question: "Does crime pay?" For many 'faces,' the initial adrenalin thrill of fast money and high rewards leads to decades of violence, prison life, destruction, fear and loss of life.
- In the final episode of the series, Bernie attempts to answer the age old question "Does crime pay?" For many 'faces', the initial adrenalin thrill of fast money and high rewards leads to decades of violence, prison life, destruction, fear and loss of life.
Drugs and guns led to more murders, leading to government initiatives to crack down on crime organisations and the tougher prison sentencing. Many of the old guard saw the wheel of fortune turn against them, and Bernie examines the personal devastation a life of crime has had on the 'faces'.
The most infamous names in Britain's recent criminal history talk about the reputations they have gained and the heartbreak it has caused both themselves and their families.
Arran Coghlan (Manchester) known as the Teflon Don (no charges stick) has stood trial for three separate murders. One of the victims was forced to drink petrol before being set alight. Despite Arran being cleared on each occasion the stigma remains and the Proceeds of Crime Bureau recently seized his 2 million pound home. He talks about the effect his alleged past is having on his life and that of his family members.
Paul Massey (Manchester) named Citys Mr Big by Salford Councillor. Pauls security business has been targeted by the authorities and virtually closed down/lost contracts etc...
Paddy Conroy talks of his constant surveillance, his home regularly ransacked by police, and his wife subjected to humiliating strip-searches. Threats on his life have made Conroy a physically ill man, and yet he refutes suggestions of being involved in any form of criminality. Indeed, hundreds have marched to protest his innocence with some even climbing Newcastles bridges bringing the city to a standstill.
Bernie himself is no stranger to the gangster lifestyle. As head doorman of Raquel's nightclub in Essex during the late 80s, he controlled the access of drug dealers supplying ecstasy. The club made headlines in 1995 when a young girl, 18 year-old Leah Betts, died of an overdose from a contaminated pill. The shock of her death had a big effect on Bernie, who had teenage kids of his own. Times had changed and taken a more sinister turn as the drugs culture brought with it a more ruthless approach due to the money involved. Bernie subsequently turned his back on the lifestyle he had for so long been acquainted with.
Bernie concludes the series by talking to Londons Vic Dark. Vic is a man whose life encompasses every branch of the criminal world: robbery, guns, kidnapping and murder. Here he reflects on a life of crime which led to misery and incarceration. Dark served 19 years in the dispersal system, a prison within Britains prison system where slashings, stabbings and even murder regularly occur. He talks of the single most destructive force behind the demise of the criminal underworld: DRUGS.
Having lost his nephew to drugs only a couple of months ago, Vic recognises its impact both in the crime world as well as on the general public. He talks of how drug-related crimes paint a very dark picture of societys future, and ultimately may prove to be the final nail in the coffin for the 'faces' who have run Britains criminal landscape for the past 50 years.
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