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

The movie Legend, starring Tom Hardy as both Kray twins, paints a vivid picture of the criminal underworld they dominated in London during the 1960s. But how much of the film is fact, and what led to Reggie Kray's eventual imprisonment? Let's dive deep into the real-life events that inspired the movie and explore the reasons behind Reggie's downfall.

The Krays' Reign of Terror: More Than Just Gangsters

To understand why Reggie Kray went to jail, you first need to grasp the scope of the Krays' influence. They weren't just common thugs; they were celebrities in their own right. They owned nightclubs, mingled with politicians and entertainers, and cultivated an image of untouchable power. Their gang, "The Firm," controlled a significant portion of London's criminal activities, including protection rackets, armed robberies, and assaults. Their methods were brutal, and their reputation for violence was carefully cultivated to maintain control through fear. But their celebrity status also made them targets for law enforcement, who were determined to bring their reign of terror to an end. This intricate web of power, influence, and violence ultimately contributed to their undoing, as their high-profile activities drew increasing scrutiny from the authorities and the public alike.

Their notoriety extended beyond the criminal world, making them both feared and strangely admired figures in London society. They were known for their sharp suits, charismatic personalities, and the exclusive nightclubs they owned, which attracted a mix of celebrities, politicians, and other influential individuals. This paradoxical image – simultaneously menacing and glamorous – made them fascinating subjects for the media and the public, but it also ensured that their actions were constantly under the watchful eyes of the authorities. Despite their efforts to maintain a veneer of respectability, the Krays' violent tendencies and criminal enterprises were always bubbling beneath the surface, threatening to erupt and shatter their carefully constructed facade. Their story is a cautionary tale of ambition, power, and the inevitable consequences of a life lived outside the boundaries of the law.

The Breaking Point: The Murder of George Cornell

One of the key events leading to Reggie's imprisonment was the murder of George Cornell. On March 9, 1966, Cornell, an associate of a rival gang, was sitting at the bar of the Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel. Reggie Kray walked in and shot him dead in broad daylight. This act of brazen violence sent shockwaves through London and significantly intensified police efforts to bring the Krays to justice. The murder was a turning point because it was a blatant and public display of their power and disregard for the law. Witnesses were terrified to come forward, but the police knew they had to act decisively to restore order and demonstrate that no one, not even the Kray twins, was above the law.

The killing of Cornell was not just a random act of violence; it was a calculated move to assert dominance and eliminate a perceived threat. The Krays had a long-standing rivalry with Cornell's gang, and tensions had been escalating for some time. The murder was intended to send a clear message to their rivals and to reinforce their control over the criminal underworld in London. However, it also had the unintended consequence of galvanizing law enforcement and the public against them. The audacity of the crime, committed in such a public and brazen manner, shocked even the most hardened criminals and generated a wave of outrage that the police could not ignore. The investigation into Cornell's murder became a top priority, and the police were determined to gather enough evidence to bring the Krays to justice, no matter the cost.

The Downfall: Operation Nipper and the Trial

Following the Cornell murder and other escalating criminal activities, Detective Chief Superintendent Leonard "Nipper" Read was assigned to bring down the Kray twins. Operation Nipper was a massive undertaking that involved gathering evidence, protecting witnesses, and building a case strong enough to overcome the Krays' influence and intimidation tactics. It was an uphill battle, as many potential witnesses were too afraid to testify against the Krays, fearing for their lives and the safety of their families. However, Read and his team persevered, meticulously piecing together the evidence and gradually building a network of informants who were willing to risk everything to help bring the Krays to justice.

The trial of the Kray twins and their associates was a sensational event that captured the attention of the entire nation. The courtroom was packed with reporters, curious onlookers, and members of the public eager to witness the downfall of the notorious gangsters. The prosecution presented a compelling case, detailing the Krays' criminal activities and highlighting the atmosphere of fear and intimidation that they had created in London. Witnesses bravely took the stand, recounting their experiences and providing crucial evidence that linked the Krays to the murders and other crimes. Despite the Krays' attempts to intimidate and discredit the witnesses, the prosecution's case was overwhelming, and the jury ultimately found them guilty of murder and other serious offenses.

In 1969, Reggie Kray, along with his brother Ronnie and several members of their gang, were finally convicted. Reggie was found guilty of the murder of George Cornell and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 30 years. This sentence reflected the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed to society. The conviction of the Kray twins marked the end of their reign of terror and brought a sense of relief to the people of London who had lived in fear of their violence for so long. It also served as a warning to other criminals that no one, no matter how powerful or influential, is above the law. The Kray twins' story became a cautionary tale of ambition, violence, and the inevitable consequences of a life of crime.

Legend vs. Reality: Separating Fact from Fiction

While Legend offers a compelling cinematic portrayal of the Kray twins, it's essential to remember that it's a dramatized version of events. The movie takes liberties with the timeline, exaggerates certain aspects of their lives, and omits others entirely for the sake of storytelling. For example, the film glosses over some of the more brutal aspects of their crimes and focuses more on the personal relationships and internal conflicts within the Kray organization. While this makes for a more engaging and entertaining movie, it also distorts the reality of their actions and the impact they had on the victims and their families.

One of the key differences between Legend and the real story is the portrayal of Reggie Kray. In the film, he is depicted as a more rational and level-headed figure compared to his brother Ronnie, who is portrayed as mentally unstable and prone to violence. While it is true that Reggie was often seen as the more business-minded of the two, he was also capable of extreme violence and was ultimately responsible for the murder of George Cornell. The film also romanticizes the Krays' lifestyle to some extent, portraying them as glamorous and charismatic figures who were admired and respected by many. However, the reality is that they were feared and despised by most people, and their wealth and power were built on a foundation of violence and intimidation.

Ultimately, Legend should be viewed as a work of fiction inspired by real events, rather than a completely accurate historical account. It is a compelling and entertaining movie that sheds light on the lives of the Kray twins, but it is important to remember that the real story is far more complex and disturbing. The film captures the essence of their personalities and the atmosphere of fear and violence that they created in London, but it also glosses over some of the more unpleasant aspects of their lives and crimes. To fully understand the truth about the Kray twins, it is necessary to go beyond the movie and delve into the historical records, biographies, and eyewitness accounts that paint a more complete and accurate picture of their lives and legacy.

The Legacy of the Krays: A Cautionary Tale

The story of Reggie Kray and his brother Ronnie serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of a life of crime. Their rise to power, their reign of terror, and their eventual downfall are all testaments to the destructive nature of violence, greed, and ambition. The Krays' legacy continues to fascinate and repulse people to this day, and their story has been retold in countless books, movies, and documentaries. They have become symbols of a dark and dangerous period in London's history, a time when organized crime held sway and fear reigned supreme.

Despite their notoriety, the Krays are not figures to be admired or emulated. Their actions caused immense suffering and pain to countless victims and their families. They terrorized communities, destroyed lives, and left a lasting scar on the city of London. Their story is a cautionary tale that should serve as a warning to anyone who is tempted to follow a similar path. The allure of wealth, power, and fame may be strong, but the price of a life of crime is far too high. The Krays' story demonstrates that violence and criminality ultimately lead to destruction and despair, and that true success and happiness can only be found through honest and ethical means.

In conclusion, Reggie Kray went to jail for his involvement in a brutal criminal enterprise, culminating in the murder of George Cornell. Legend offers a glimpse into this world, but the real story is far more complex and disturbing. The Kray twins' legacy remains a dark chapter in London's history, a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of upholding the rule of law. Reggie Kray's imprisonment marked the end of an era, but the lessons learned from his life continue to resonate today. Remember, the film Legend only scratches the surface of a much darker reality. The true story of Reggie Kray is a reminder that crime never pays in the end.