Bruce Richard Reynolds (7 September 1931 – 28 February 2013) was a British career criminal best known for organising the Great Train Robbery of 1963. The haul from that raid has been estimated as equivalent to about £41 million in 2013 terms. Following the theft Reynolds avoided capture for roughly five years before being taken by the police; he was later given a 25-year prison sentence in 1969 and released in 1978 after serving around nine years. Outside prison he wrote several books and made occasional appearances with the band Alabama 3, which includes his son, Nick Reynolds.
Early life
Reynolds was born on 7 September 1931 in the Strand area of London. Details of his youth include an early involvement with petty crime that escalated in later years.
The Great Train Robbery
As the planner and leader of the 1963 train robbery, Reynolds played a central role in what was, at the time, the largest robbery in postwar Britain. The operation attracted widespread media attention and remains one of the most notorious crimes in modern British history.
Later convictions and activities
In addition to his role in the train robbery, Reynolds had other convictions, including for assault and for supplying drugs. After his release from prison he turned to writing and public speaking, producing several books about his life and crimes, and occasionally appearing in public with musical projects connected to his family.
Death
Bruce Reynolds died on 28 February 2013 in Croydon, London, at the age of 81.
- Born: 7 September 1931
- Notable crime: Great Train Robbery (1963)
- Fugitive period: about five years from the police
- Sentence: 25 years (1969), released 1978
- Writings: several books
- Died: 28 February 2013, Croydon