Harry Roberts Cop Killer (5 Viewers)

bringbackrattles · May 19, 2019

Watched a programme on Harry Roberts who shot dead 2 coppers in 1966. Another bloke shot dead 1 policeman. I remember as a kid standing on the Spion Kop with City fans singing " Harry Roberts he kills coppers." He got released after being inside for 50 odd years. The death penalty had just been abolished so they got prison sentences instead. It was a cold blooded killing really and they wanted the death penalty bringing back for these shootings.
I think some crimes are etched in the memory, and this one especially. My dad at the time said they should have hanged, and I imagine many would share that opinion today ?

Grendel · May 19, 2019

This is of course why Brian Roberts was called Harry!

bringbackrattles · May 19, 2019

Grendel said:
This is of course why Brian Roberts was called Harry!

And Stuart Pearce was nicknamed Psycho then!

Terry Gibson's perm · May 19, 2019

The one that is etched in my mind is the murder of Jamie Bulger, we had gone to America for my 18th birthday and it was all over the news there. A really sad event committed by two horrible little creatures.

Sick Boy · May 19, 2019

Terry Gibson's perm said:
The one that is etched in my mind is the murder of Jamie Bulger, we had gone to America for my 18th birthday and it was all over the news there. A really sad event committed by two horrible little creatures.

I’m 34 and remember it clearly.

ovduk78 · May 19, 2019

bringbackrattles said:
Watched a programme on Harry Roberts who shot dead 2 coppers in 1966. Another bloke shot dead 1 policeman. I remember as a kid standing on the Spion Kop with City fans singing " Harry Roberts he kills coppers." He got released after being inside for 50 odd years. The death penalty had just been abolished so they got prison sentences instead. It was a cold blooded killing really and they wanted the death penalty bringing back for these shootings.
I think some crimes are etched in the memory, and this one especially. My dad at the time said they should have hanged, and I imagine many would share that opinion today ?

I have been to watch Newcastle loads of time with my mate and they always sing that, it was especially intimidating at Notts Forest during the miners strike and at WBA when both times we were kept in by a corden of police and the Geordies were in their faces singing it

bringbackrattles · May 19, 2019

I also recall a copper being shot dead here in Coventry in the 70' s I think ?

Nick · May 19, 2019

bringbackrattles said:
I also recall a copper being shot dead here in Coventry in the 70' s I think ?

Torrington ave wasn't it?

westcountry_skyblue · May 19, 2019

Nick said:
Torrington ave wasn't it?

That bank job on the corner,How long ago was that now?

bringbackrattles · May 19, 2019

Nick said:
Torrington ave wasn't it?

The one I was quoting was at the sports shop by where Riddys Army&Navy store was. A bloke broke in to steal a rifle/gun but was stopped by a copper, who he shot dead ? It was a big story.

Nick · May 19, 2019

Ah torrington ave might have been later on! Just remember the plaque

Houchens Head · May 19, 2019

Nick said:
Torrington ave wasn't it?

PC Gavin something. The blokes that shot him had just robbed the Midland Bank in Tile Hill village (not there now)

Houchens Head · May 19, 2019

Houchens Head said:
PC Gavin something. The blokes that shot him had just robbed the Midland Bank in Tile Hill village (not there now)

The plaque is still there....
.

Houchens Head · May 19, 2019

bringbackrattles said:
The one I was quoting was at the sports shop by where Riddys Army&Navy store was. A bloke broke in to steal a rifle/gun but was stopped by a copper, who he shot dead ? It was a big story.

I remember that BBR. I thought it was Davies Sports shop? They'd broken in and nicked a shotgun and cartridges but triggered off the alarm. Cops went there and one was shot with the shotgun. Not sure if I've got all the details right. I'll check archives later.

Houchens Head · May 19, 2019

bringbackrattles said:
Watched a programme on Harry Roberts who shot dead 2 coppers in 1966. Another bloke shot dead 1 policeman. I remember as a kid standing on the Spion Kop with City fans singing " Harry Roberts he kills coppers." He got released after being inside for 50 odd years. The death penalty had just been abolished so they got prison sentences instead. It was a cold blooded killing really and they wanted the death penalty bringing back for these shootings.
I think some crimes are etched in the memory, and this one especially. My dad at the time said they should have hanged, and I imagine many would share that opinion today ?

I remember Harry Roberts well. Not personally, though! I mean the story. I was at Ullathorne when this happened. It was all the rage with all the lads talking about him because he hid in Epping Forest for about 3 weeks before being caught.
Also, he was the reason why the City player, Brian Roberts, was always nicknamed "Harry".

bringbackrattles · May 19, 2019

Houchens Head said:
I remember that BBR. I thought it was Davies Sports shop? They'd broken in and nicked a shotgun and cartridges but triggered off the alarm. Cops went there and one was shot with the shotgun. Not sure if I've got all the details right. I'll check archives later.

Yes it was Davies sports shop. Wasn't that near Riddys?

bringbackrattles · May 19, 2019

Houchens Head said:
I remember Harry Roberts well. Not personally, though! I mean the story. I was at Ullathorne when this happened. It was all the rage with all the lads talking about him because he hid in Epping Forest for about 3 weeks before being caught.
Also, he was the reason why the City player, Brian Roberts, was always nicknamed "Harry".

The programme I watched was interesting. He was an ex soldier so used those skills when on the run. A young lad on a walk in a wood/forest stumbled upon him in a tent. He was going to shoot him but discovered he was a bit simple, so got him to get him food etc, and even took him on a robbery while on the run ! Just to think I used to sing along with other fans about Roberts without knowing much about him !

dutchman · May 20, 2019

bringbackrattles said:
Yes it was Davies sports shop. Wasn't that near Riddys?

Davies' was Far Gosford Street, Riddy's was further up on the opposite side of Walsgrave Road.

rob9872 · May 20, 2019

Sky Blue Harry H conspicuous by his absence on this thread …..

Harry Roberts Cop Killer (5 Viewers)

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