Richardson was the founder and boss of The Richardson Gang and rival of the Krays, to cross him would result in brutal repercussions. Famously arrested on the day England won the World Cup in , his trial heard he allegedly used iron bars, bolt cutters and electric shocks on his enemies.
In July police arrested members of the Richardson gang following a series of raids in south London. In April Charlie was found guilty of fraud, extortion, assault and grievous bodily harm and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Charlie died from blood poisoning aged 78 in September The family soon moved back to Camberwell, where younger brother, Edward "Eddie" Richardson, was born in January , followed by youngest sibling, Alan born Charlie and Eddie turned to a life of crime after their father deserted the family.
Charlie invested in scrap metal, whilst Eddie operated fruit machines. These businesses were fronts for underworld activities which included fraud, racketeering, usury, theft and stolen goods.
Eddie would on occasion "suggest" that a pub landlord should buy one of his slot devices; failure to do so meant running the risk of being beaten and the pub vandalised. Charlie was at one point arrested for receiving stolen goods, but was acquitted through lack of evidence and, allegedly, with the help of a large "donation" to the Police Fund.
Eddie Richardson was sent to prison for five years for affray. In July police arrested the remaining members of the Richardson gang following a series of raids in South London. The Richardsons were found guilty of fraud, extortion, assault and grievous bodily harm. Charlie Richardson was sentenced to 25 years in prison, and Eddie had ten years added to his existing sentence.
