Charlie Richardson of the Torture Gang dies at 78

Kray Twins Rival and Mob Boss Charlie Richardson Has Passed Away...

13:54 23 September 2012

Charlie Richardson, the boss of the ‘Richardson Gang’, has died at the age of 78. 

 

Known as one of the most notoriously violent – and even sadistic – gangsters of the 60s, Charlie Richardson is the mastermind behind the infamous Torture Gang. 

 

His gang is known for many things, including its trademark tortures which supposedly included pinning victims to the floor with 6-inch nails and cutting off their toes using bolt cutters. As explained by The Mirror, Richardson allegedly used to carry out mock trials for the unfortunate ones who unknowingly crossed the gang, punishing these people with cigarette burns, whipping, pulling out of teeth, and electric shocks.

 

One unfortunate victim is thought to have been a gang member himself - ‘Mad’ Frankie Fraser. Richardson was also notoriously known as the bitter rival of the Kray twins. 

 

Dubbed as the Torture Gang boss, Richardson was sentenced to 25 years in jail. He was arrested on the 30th of July in 1966, during the World Cup Final. During his trial, he was faced with many charges including assault, robbery, and demanding money by threatening menaces.

 

After this, Richardson made several attempts to get out of jail and even escaped once and went on the run, as reported by The Mirror. At one point during his request for release, it is believed he dressed up as Santa Claus and provided children with lots of presents. Eventually, he was sent back to jail, where he served out the remaining years in his sentence. 

 

His brother Eddie, who denied the gang’s torturous criminal activities, was also imprisoned along with him. 

 

Given his very strong personality, Richardson had reportedly kept his illness to himself, causing his death to come as a surprise to a lot of those who knew him. 

 

He died at Pembury Hospital in Kent and leaves behind his wife Ronnie and their five children.