Armed and Dangerous

London Gangster's Path to Multiple Murders and 45 Years in Prison

By: John Hilton

Narrated by: Mark Oxtoby

“They just don’t make them like John anymore. A real tough who has lived the best and worst in life!” – Shaun Attwood, true crime author/YouTuber

After an astonishing 45-year journey through the labyrinthine confines of every single UK prison, John Hilton, now 94, who holds the dubious title of being one of the longest-serving criminals in UK history, is finally breaking his silence.

In his compelling autobiography, he offers a gripping and unfiltered account of his tumultuous life, from his tragic beginnings in the aftermath of World War II to his descent into a life of crime.

Hilton's first stint in a young offenders' prison at the age of sixteen came about when he was caught stealing money from the till of a local fruit and veg stall where he worked. During this dark period, he suffered life-altering injuries while incarcerated, losing several fingers and he quickly learned how to navigate the harsh realities of the prison system.

These traumatic experiences only fuelled Hilton's dangerous path into a life of armed robberies and even murder, cementing his dangerous mind-set.

On one fateful night in 1978, during a robbery gone wrong, Hilton shot a diamond merchant in the back, and accidentally shot his crime partner. He was faced with an uncomfortable decision: whether to let his friend bleed to death and to discard the body or to take him to a hospital, running the risk of being caught for a double homicide.

Detailing the ever-changing prison regime through the decades, Hilton's autobiography is not merely a chronicle of wrongdoing but a tale of sacrifice, honour and resourcefulness. He candidly takes listeners on a journey through his ruthless and unforgiving mind. This deeply personal account is a must-read for anyone interested in the criminal justice system, the psyche of a dangerous armed robber, the old East End of London and the remarkable gangsters it produced.

©2023 John Hilton (P)2024 Gadfly Press

Disturbing

I was really struck how John said he never felt remorse for the people he murdered. I instantly think of an innocent life cut down and think of his poor wife and children and parents. The suffering he caused them! It’s one thing to steal things and quite another to take a life. I was also struck at how John seemed to be unable to make wise decisions. He always chose the worst path. He could have had a better life if he just worked like normal people. He was a good worker in prison. Why couldn’t he do the same outside of prison? Wanting the same as path and quick buck cost him a life. I think he should seek God and beg forgiveness. Christ is real and Christ died even for him.