By John Stapleton
We were quite young when our minds began to turn to ways to make money.
We couldn’t wait to grow up, to be the gangsters we had idolized in the films we adored.
The suburb was known as Merrylands, and to this day is largely unremarkable. Except for the fact that many a crime story begins there.
It was full of Lebanese, Maltese and Italians, the then new face of Sydney’s ethnic mix. All of them, having arrived in the land of opportunity in the impoverished post-war era, were hell bent on improving their lot.
A Hornet’s Nest
At the time I was a total nutcase.
I was feared because I was extremely violent, unpredictable
I just didn’t give a fuck.
I’ve got the traditional “rap sheet as long as your arm”, except mine reads, case dismissed, no prima facie case, case dismissed. And on they go, all 42 of them.
You want to party all night? No problem.
In my occupation, I inevitably cross paths with drug dealers, straight cops, crooked cops, crime syndicates, stand over guys, kids targeting me with drive by shootings, and plastic gangsters who want what I’ve got, only without working for it.
Consider this a cautionary tale. You young blokes, especially, might think you want my life. But, as you will read, unless you are prepared to earn it — literally, with blood, sweat and tears — good luck. And either way, you might just end up dead. Or worse.
The Sydney gay market is massive.
It peaked with dozens of runners up and down Sydney’s gay strip working the bars, discos and gay haunts.
I knew a lot of the drug scene from years ago; and wanted to get involved in it.
It stopped in 2010. I felt like I just got out in time, 100 percent.
We had twelve phones. Every two weeks in the bin. New Sim cards. Everything. In the end I didn’t have to work; it ran itself.
I couldn’t carry a wallet because the money wouldn’t fit into it. I carried a red polka dot purse.
Bring On The Rage
Let’s Go Shopping
I am retired. I want to stay that way. I have had my day. It is over.
Kings Cross was finished the day they brought in the 1.30 lockouts. The Cross will never be the same again. A page of time has finished.