"Mad Frankie" Fraser coming to Telford
"Mad Frankie" Fraser, the ex-criminal enforcer once dubbed the most dangerous man in Britain by two Home Secretaries, is coming to Shropshire to give a talk about gangland killings, extortion and torture.
Video: Duke of York Landlord Ian Barton on why his pub will be hosting the notorious former gangster 'Mad' Frankie Fraser.
"Mad Frankie" Fraser, the ex-criminal once dubbed the most dangerous man in Britain by two Home Secretaries, is coming to Shropshire to give a talk about gangland killings, extortion and torture.
Fraser, who spent more than 40 years in prison for his role in crime in the East End of London during the 1950s and 1960s, will make his first appearance in the county this week at a Telford pub.
Fraser, who admits once chopping up a man, will talk at The Duke of York pub in Oakengates on Thursday about his years associating with the notorious Kray and Richardson gangs.
Ian Barton, licensee at The Duke, said he was searching for interesting speakers to visit the pub when he came across Fraser.
"It will be an interesting talk and a good opportunity for people to have their photo taken with him," said Mr Barton.
"We have guest speakers quite regularly but this time I wanted to try something different and I think Mad Frankie can offer that.
"I think it will be something that people will be interested in. He worked with the Kray twins and has some very good stories to tell."
By Fraser's own admission, his 40-plus years served in prison were often coloured by violence.
He was involved in riots and frequently fought with prison officers and fellow inmates as well as attacking various governors.
He was one of the ringleaders in a riot in Parkhurst prison in 1969, spending the following six weeks in the prison hospital owing to his injuries.
He was released from prison in 1985, where he was met by his son in a Rolls Royce.
In 1991, Fraser was shot in the head from close range.
Now in his 80s, he has appeared on television shows and written an autobiography.
He also gives gangland tours around London, where he highlights infamous criminal locations.
The talk at The Duke will kick off at 7.30pm and tickets for the event cost £5 each and can be bought on the door.
