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The Brighton Police Scandal
In the late 1950s the reputation of Brighton as a popular seaside resort took a sinister and notorious turn.
After a series of drunken disturbances, suspicions were raised that the owner of the Astor Club, which became known globally as ‘The Bucket of Blood’, was bribing members of the town’s CID to ignore licensing hours.
The situation escalated to the point where Scotland Yard’s Flying Squad was called in. Their investigation soon revealed that these bribes were the tip of a police corruption iceberg. Criminality among crooked cops had been going on for years. Provided money was paid, charges were dropped, previous convictions overlooked and evidence disappeared. Others were ‘fitted up’ unless they paid up. Police were party to burglaries, assisting in the ‘fencing’ of stolen property and protection payments from bookmakers, clubs, and bars.
During the scandal filled trial of the Chief Constable and CID ringleaders there was perjury, violent witness intimidation with one having his premises burnt to the ground. All this and more is described in this meticulously researched account of one of Britain’s most publicized police corruption scandals written with insider knowledge.
After a series of drunken disturbances, suspicions were raised that the owner of the Astor Club, which became known globally as ‘The Bucket of Blood’, was bribing members of the town’s CID to ignore licensing hours.
The situation escalated to the point where Scotland Yard’s Flying Squad was called in. Their investigation soon revealed that these bribes were the tip of a police corruption iceberg. Criminality among crooked cops had been going on for years. Provided money was paid, charges were dropped, previous convictions overlooked and evidence disappeared. Others were ‘fitted up’ unless they paid up. Police were party to burglaries, assisting in the ‘fencing’ of stolen property and protection payments from bookmakers, clubs, and bars.
During the scandal filled trial of the Chief Constable and CID ringleaders there was perjury, violent witness intimidation with one having his premises burnt to the ground. All this and more is described in this meticulously researched account of one of Britain’s most publicized police corruption scandals written with insider knowledge.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 30, 2022
The book gives thorough explanations and facts upon facts with details on top of details. I didn't have any advance knowledge on the Brighton Scandal. While I enjoy true crime, this was too dry and mundane.
The author does include the trials, closing arguments, sentencing and follows the lives of key people including their date of death and circumstances. I really appreciated that effort. As disinterested as I was, I would have Googled a few people. In addition, there are pictures at the end of the book, and I really appreciated those. I read on my Paperwhite, and images were good.
Thank you NetGalley as well as Pen and Sword for granting my wish.
The author does include the trials, closing arguments, sentencing and follows the lives of key people including their date of death and circumstances. I really appreciated that effort. As disinterested as I was, I would have Googled a few people. In addition, there are pictures at the end of the book, and I really appreciated those. I read on my Paperwhite, and images were good.
Thank you NetGalley as well as Pen and Sword for granting my wish.
June 4, 2022
A thoroughly researched account of a dreadful episode in police history.
A chief constable, a detective inspector and a detective sergeant were all tried for corruption. Not for a single instance of corruption but corruption over several years.
It's another brilliant book from Dick Kirby you will not be dissapointed highly recommend
A chief constable, a detective inspector and a detective sergeant were all tried for corruption. Not for a single instance of corruption but corruption over several years.
It's another brilliant book from Dick Kirby you will not be dissapointed highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews