One of the key players in the infamous Brink’s-Mat theft of 1983 was BRIAN Robinson.
Because of his involvement, he spent 1984 in prison; as a result, he was denied the gold. How much more do we know about him, though?
Who was Brian Robinson?
Robinson was one of the six armed robbers who took part in the November 1983 Brink’s-Mat theft.
One of the largest gold raids in British history, totaling £26 million, involved the theft of gold bullion, diamonds, and cash from a warehouse near Heathrow.
Robinson, a 40-year-old career criminal who had already spent a number of prison terms and was listed as one of London’s 20 most active armed robberies by the Flying Squad, was at the time.
In today’s money, their £26 million haul is worth more than £ 100 million.
At the time of the heist, Robinson resided in a council apartment with his partner Jennifer and their two young sons.
Robinson trained Tony Black, Jennifer’s brother, who worked as a security guard at the Brink’s-Mat Heathrow complex.
When five guards were getting ready to deliver 6,800 gold ingots for a flight to the Far East that November morning, just after 6.30am, former soldier Black let the masked gang into the warehouse.
The link between Black and Robinson was quickly uncovered by the police after Robinson broke down when questioned.
Because he was regarded as the captain of the crew who participated in the heist, Robinson earned the nickname “the colonel.”
The army’s colonel rank is the top field-grade position available.
One of the warehouse guards recognised Robinson during an identity parade as the thief known in court as the “Cool Boss.”
On February 28, 2021, he passed away in a care facility in Kidbrooke, South East London.
He had just turned 78 when he passed away.
His part of the wealth was allegedly stolen while he was in jail, according to those close to him, leaving him impoverished when he passed away.
He and his accomplice Micky McAvoy were found guilty of conspiracy to rob at the Old Bailey in December 1984 and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
He made the offer to police together with McAvoy, asking for shorter prison terms in exchange for the gold.
Robinson served a 16 year term before being freed from jail in 2000, just like his accomplice.
