Freddie Foreman, Kray associate, dies aged 94

Freddie Foreman, a criminal associate of the Kray twins, has died at the age of 94. Foreman, who was known by nicknames including “the managing director of British crime” and “brown bread Fred”, spent a total of 16 years in prison across multiple sentences.

Criminal Convictions

Foreman was jailed for 10 years in 1969 for his role in disposing of the body of Jack 'the Hat' McVitie, a crime he admitted to in later years. He was also convicted in 1989 for handling proceeds from the 1983 Security Express robbery, a crime for which he received a nine-year sentence. This conviction followed his extradition from Spain.

Although Foreman later confessed on television to the murders of Ginger Marks and Frank Mitchell in the 1960s, he was cleared of both charges in court. He was arrested in 2000 in connection with these killings but was not charged, benefiting from the now-abolished double jeopardy rule.

Early Life and Criminal Career

Born in Battersea, south London, Foreman grew up in a family with connections to bare-knuckle fighting. His criminal activities began in his youth, leading to his first appearance at the Old Bailey at 14 for grievous bodily harm, for which he was fined £5. He engaged in various criminal enterprises, including working as a minder for the 'Forty Thieves' shoplifting gang and participating in smash-and-grab robberies. He also had connections to those involved in the Great Train Robbery and assisted Ronnie Biggs and Buster Edwards in their escapes.

Foreman also spent time living and working in the United States, running a vending machine business in Pennsylvania. He later moved to Marbella, Spain, where he operated a club before his arrest in connection with the Security Express robbery.

Later Life and Media Work

Following his final release from prison, Foreman lived in Cricklewood, north London, and worked on his memoirs. He became a subject for gangland documentaries and served as a consultant for the 2015 film 'Legend', which depicted the lives of the Kray twins. His son, Jamie Foreman, is an actor who appeared in films such as 'Layer Cake'.

Foreman is survived by his long-term partner, Janice King, and his children Gregory, Jamie, and Danielle. He expressed pride that his children did not follow him into a life of crime.