A Daily Mail Book of the Week

Prolific armed robber. Close ally of Joey Pyle. Friend and fellow inmate of the Kray twins. Last man to stand trial with a Kray brother. First prisoner in the notorious Belmarsh Unit … Welcome to Ronnie Field's world.

From his abusive childhood, his inevitable journey into crime and his role in the dangerous underworld of south London’s gangland through to his eventful spells in many of Britain’s most secure jails, Ronnie Field is ready to recount his incredible story for the very first time. It’s a new take on the criminal fraternity of the 1970s and 80s from one of the last men standing.

A raw, honest and sometimes humorous portrayal of a life in the fast lane of organised crime, Nefarious is a reflection on a bygone era from which there are few regrets. Though some things are best laid to rest…

There was a code. It's not there now. The public weren't in general danger from us. Most of our lot never burgled anybody's gaff. None of our lot every mugged people. We didn't hit women. Most of us didn't take drugs. We dressed well. Wouldn't be seen dead in tracksuit or shell suit. We were polite around women. Although our business was misbehavior, we knew how to behave.