One-Armed Bandit Murder: Dennis Stafford's book on murder case which inspired Get Carter could be turned into a new film

A book written by one of the men convicted of the ‘One-Armed Bandit Murder’ could be turned into a new film.
Angus Sibbet, who was found dead in his Jaguar on January 5, 1967, under Pesspool Bridge in South Hetton.Angus Sibbet, who was found dead in his Jaguar on January 5, 1967, under Pesspool Bridge in South Hetton.
Angus Sibbet, who was found dead in his Jaguar on January 5, 1967, under Pesspool Bridge in South Hetton.

Dennis Stafford, alongside Michael Luvaglio, were found guilty of killing Angus Sibbet in 1967, but have always protested their innocence.

Mr Sibbett’s bullet-ridden body was found in his Mark X Jaguar under Pesspool Bridge in South Hetton 53 years ago today (January 5).

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The three men had worked for Luvalgio’s brother, Vince Landa, through his Sunderland-based fruit machine firm Social Club Services.

An archive image of Dennis Stafford, who has always denied the murder of Angus Sibbet.An archive image of Dennis Stafford, who has always denied the murder of Angus Sibbet.
An archive image of Dennis Stafford, who has always denied the murder of Angus Sibbet.

It has been claimed Mr Sibbet was killed and his friends framed so the notorious Kray Twins could move in on the patch.

The case said inspired the story which led to the film Get Carter, which was filmed in locations across the North East – including the final scene shot on the beach at Blackhall.

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They were jailed for life, but were later released on life licence after serving 12 years.

The front page of the Sunderland Echo on the day of the killing.The front page of the Sunderland Echo on the day of the killing.
The front page of the Sunderland Echo on the day of the killing.

While Luvaglio launched his own website to highlight what he says are inconsistencies in the case, www.villain-or-victim.com/, Stafford has been approached by a team who want to turn his story into a movie.

Fun-Loving Criminal: The Autobiography of a Gentleman Gangster, was co-written by Stafford Hildred and published in 2007.

Its blurb reads: “Chameleon, fugitive, playboy, criminal, political prisoner, con man, comedian - Dennis Stafford was born two street and two months apart from the Kray twins, but his extraordinary life is worlds away from typical East End violence and racketeering.”

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It adds it gives “the full story on the miscarriage of justice surrounding the One-Armed Bandit Murder.”

Michael Luvaglio also protested his innocence over the murder.Michael Luvaglio also protested his innocence over the murder.
Michael Luvaglio also protested his innocence over the murder.

The 87-year-old said: “I’ve got no interest in knowing who the real killers were – I know who, or at least why.

“I’m interested in the travesty of the injustice and corruption.

“An American film company want me to re-write the book I wrote because they want to turn it into a film.

“I’m going to look for someone to help me with it.”