Kray files kept by detective who sent crime twins to jail sell for £5,000 at ... trends now
A stash of documents relating to the Kray twins which was kept for more than 50 years by the detective who helped catch them has sold for more than £5,000.
Detective Chief Superintendent Leonard 'Nipper' Read kept meticulous reports as he tried to find evidence and witnesses willing to testify against the notorious East End brothers.
Read died from Covid in April 2020, aged 95, and his widow Pat, who also worked on the case, decided to put the never-seen-before documents up for auction.
They were given a conservative estimate of £700 but sold for a hammer price of £4,000, rising to £5,200 with fees.
As well as Read's reports, the documents include court files and transcripts relating to two trials involving Ronnie and Reggie Kray.
Frances Shae toasting to future happiness with the Kray twins after her marriage to Reggie Kray (right)
The various documents relating to the Kray twins' infamous trial which was kept kept for more than half a century by the detective who helped put them away
Leonard 'Nipper' Read who lead the hunt for the Krays
The first of which was in 1965 when they were charged with demanding money with menaces, but were acquitted.
The second, in 1969, was when the Krays were finally jailed along with other members of their gang for the murders of Jack 'the Hat' McVitie and George Cornell.
It was the longest and most expensive murder trial in British criminal history and a media sensation, with both receiving life imprisonment.
Read's documents include transcripts covering every day of the 39-day hearing, as well as his additional reports, statements and evidence.
In his reports to bosses, Read documented his efforts to bring the Krays to justice and his frustrations are very clear
