‘Public enemy No1’ and ex-bank robber John McVicar dies from ‘heart attack’ while walking dog
FORMER Public Enemy No1 John McVicar has died destitute.
The ex-bank robber, 82, collapsed of a suspected heart attack while walking his husky dog Lucky.
McVicar’s daring escape from top security Durham prison in 1968 was made into a hit 1980 film starring The Who singer Roger Daltrey.
John wrote the screenplay after renouncing a life of crime and being feted by academics.
But he ended up living alone in a caravan behind a village pub in Althorne, Essex.
Sister Janice said: “It was a sad way to end up.
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“The last time I spoke to him, he told me he was cold and lonely.”
Scotland Yard described McVicar as Public Enemy No1 after his escape from Durham.
He was serving 23 years for armed robbery but escaped from a jail van.
McVicar shot at a police car while on the run before later being recaptured. He was freed in 1978.
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Janice, 80, said: “I was proud of him for getting his life back on track.”
His son Russell was jailed for 16 years in 2010 for two armed robberies after fleeing jail while on day release.
Janice said of her brother: “I am devastated by his death.
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“He had isolated himself from his entire family but I find it very sad that he ended his days like that.”
Essex Police said the September 6 death was not suspicious.
