Essex Boy
Page 27
Despite his absence from Chelmsford Crown Court, Osborne’s statement had been the most crucial independent evidence produced that the jury had been asked to consider. Without his evidence being heard, the prosecution would have struggled, and probably floundered, in proving their case. Unfortunately, Osborne’s time as a Royal Marine and his boasting about his knowledge of firearms had convinced the jury that such a man couldn’t possibly be wrong.
After reading the seven pages of Osborne’s previous convictions, alarm bells regarding his credibility and the accuracy of his statement should have rung loud and clear in the ears of the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, solicitors, barristers, and everybody else connected with the case. It is a disgrace that despite the significant changes made by Osborne in his statements and, knowing that he was a fugitive from this country, everybody concerned failed to delve further into his background. If they had done, they would have learned that Gordon Osborne had deliberately lied. The reason I say this is simple; he was never in the Royal Marines and knows absolutely nothing about firearms. Therefore his claim that he can distinguish the sounds of various weapons being fired is, at best, ridiculous.
Acting Steward Gordon Osborne, service number P100762, enlisted in the Royal Navy on 30 January 1967. He was discharged less than five months later on 24 June 1967, because he was deemed to be ‘unsuitable’. According to the Royal Navy, as an Acting Steward Osborne’s duties would have included providing hospitality services and learning ‘core skills in the hotel trade’ aboard ship. In short, Gordon Osborne was a waiter-cum-hotel porter who simply failed to make the grade.
If it wasn’t for the investigative skills of Tony Tucker’s former business partner Bernard O’Mahoney, Percival’s appeal might never have been possible. For many years, O’Mahoney has campaigned tirelessly on behalf of Steele, Whomes and my friend Percival. It was O’Mahoney who discovered the truth about Osborne’s deceit. At Percival’s appeal, as I looked along the long wooden bench in the public gallery of the Royal Courts of Justice, my mind was awash with memories. To my left sat Bernard O’Mahoney, once one of the Essex Boys’ most feared henchmen. If only I had listened to him the night he had warned me to stay away from Tucker! Beside O’Mahoney sat John Whomes, whose brother Jack was convicted of murdering Tate, Tucker and Rolfe. Even in death the trio were able to heap misery on innocent people. I feel for the Whomes family. God knows that I am painfully aware of what they are going through. To my right sat Percival’s brother, Danny, and his heartbroken mother Sandy. Another family torn apart by the lies of a Judas whose only desire was to save himself.
Sitting alone, on a bench in front of me, was a man who represented an organisation that has hindered me for more than 20 years. DC Sharp of Essex Police was clearly finding the judge’s words uncomfortable to listen to. Lord Justice Hughes said that the use of Osborne’s evidence warranted further investigation and eight points that contributed to Percival’s conviction also needed to be reconsidered.
A full hearing to deliberate the findings and decide whether Percival should be released immediately or face a retrial, is scheduled to take place later in 2009. I understand that Whomes and Steele are also due to have their murder convictions reconsidered shortly.
I sincerely hope that all three men are released as soon as possible and this story can then end. There has been too much bloodshed and too much pain. I, for one, would never wish to live through times like that again. Last man standing I am, and last man standing I intend to remain.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
STEVE ELLIS
First and foremost, thank you to my wife Rachel, who has given me a life enriched with love and a reason to live. Thanks to Bernard O’Mahoney for all his great work and help, without which this book would never have happened. His many other worthwhile projects involving prisoners go unnoticed by many, but the few are deeply in his debt. Thanks to all of my sisters, too many to name. My close friend Ricky Percival, I am thinking of you and your long-suffering family constantly. Thanks also to my friend John Whomes; I’m thinking of his brother Jack and co-defendant Mick Steele in their fight for justice. I’m also thinking of a man I loved as a brother – Malcolm Walsh. Much love to his widow Bernardette, daughter Sophie, son Anthony and extremely annoying brother Kevin.
Thanks to two very good friends, Cliff and his wife Heidi. I cannot thank enough my true friend Geordie, without whom I would undoubtedly be dead or still imprisoned now. Thanks to my very good friends Badger and his girlfriend Deb ‘lushkins’. Regards to my best little mate Georgia, if only I could be blessed with a daughter like you. Thanks to her family for all you have done for me, words are simply not enough. Thanks to my friend Lee ‘KO’ Mayo, who has spent more time on his back in the ring than the average working girl spends on her back in a lifetime. Thanks also to KO’s girlfriend Charlie and their beautiful daughters, and to Gorgeous George. Thanks to a man I have known and respected forever, Jim the wise man, who owned the gym in Hadleigh. Thanks to Sensei Steve, the mad man on Canvey Island, and to my new friend and gifted surgeon, the wonderful Mr O-J, who can perform miracles.
BERNARD O’MAHONEY
I would like to say a huge thank you to Steve Rowan, who was kind enough to allow us to photograph the Range Rover in which the murders were committed for this book’s cover. Thank you to my friend and the Cristiano Ronaldo of photography Brian Anderson for taking those and many other incredible photographs for a book we are working on entitled Faces. A mere thank you seems inadequate to express the gratitude I feel for the love my beautiful fiancée Roshea Tierney has shown me over the last year. I love you, Ro, and eagerly await the birth of our first child (Sinead or Paddy) in January 2010. Much love also to our wise and wonderful children: Adrian, Vinney, Karis, Daine and Lydia. Thanks to my mad mother Anna and the rest of the O’Mahoney clan. Thanks also to the Tierney clan – Malcy, Carolyn and Elric. May your God – whoever or whatever it, they, he or she may be – be good to you.
Table of Contents
Cover
Essex Boy
Copyright
Introduction
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Acknowledgements