Introduction
Mark “Chopper” Read is a name that is synonymous with crime and violence in Australia. He was known for his brutal crimes, including murder, assault, and armed robbery. Read has become an infamous name in Australian history, and his life has been the subject of books, movies, and even a TV series. In this blog post, we will delve into the life and crimes of Mark “Chopper” Read and try to understand what made him such a notorious criminal.
Early Years
Mark Read was born on November 17, 1954, in Melbourne, Australia. He grew up in a suburban area and had a troubled childhood. He was expelled from school at the age of 14, and by the age of 17, he had already been convicted of several crimes. Read’s father was a strict disciplinarian who often beat him and his siblings. This abusive childhood may have contributed to Read’s violent tendencies later in life.
Life of Crime
In the early 1970s, Mark Read became involved with a gang and started committing crimes, including armed robbery and assault. In 1974, he was sentenced to prison for shooting a drug dealer. He spent most of the next 23 years in and out of prison for various crimes. During this time, he became a cult figure and gained notoriety for his violent tendencies.
Violent Tendencies
Mark Read was known for his violent behavior, both inside and outside of prison. He was involved in numerous fights and assaults while in prison. Read also had a reputation for using a variety of weapons, including guns, knives, and homemade weapons. He once famously cut off his own ears in an attempt to get out of prison early.
Writing Career
Mark Read’s life of crime brought him both fame and fortune. While in prison, he began writing books about his experiences and became an author. His books were popular, and he became a celebrity in his own right. Read’s writing career continued even after his release from prison, and he wrote several more books before his death in 2013.
Death and Legacy
Mark Read passed away on October 9, 2013, after a long battle with liver cancer. He was 58 years old. Despite his violent past, Read has become a cult figure in Australia, and his life has been the subject of several movies, TV shows, and books. He is also credited with bringing attention to the issue of mental health in prison and was an advocate for prisoner’s rights.
Prison Life
Mark Read spent much of his life in prison, and his experiences inside were often brutal. He was involved in numerous fights and assaults while in prison, and he even staged a few prison breaks. Read also had a reputation for using a variety of weapons, including guns, knives, and homemade weapons.
Personal Life
Mark Read was married three times and had two children. His personal life was often as tumultuous as his criminal past, and he was known for having numerous affairs and relationships while married. Read’s personal life was often fraught with drama and violence, and he frequently made headlines for his exploits outside of prison.
The Chopper Squad
Mark Read’s life as a criminal inspired the formation of the “Chopper Squad,” a specialized unit tasked with investigating violent crime in Melbourne and Victoria. The Chopper Squad was formed in response to the rise in violent crime in the 1980s and 1990s, and it was named after Mark Read.
Impact on Australian Culture
Mark Read’s life and crimes have had a significant impact on Australian culture. He has become a cult figure and is often portrayed in movies and TV shows. His books continue to sell well, and his legacy has inspired a generation of Australian criminals. While Read’s violent past cannot be condoned, his life has brought attention to important issues, such as mental health in prison and prisoner’s rights.
Conclusion
Mark “Chopper” Read’s life was one of violence, crime, and notoriety. He was a notorious criminal who spent much of his life in prison. Despite his past, Read has become a cult figure in Australia, and his life continues to fascinate people years after his death. While his violent tendencies cannot be condoned, Read’s life has brought attention to important issues and has had a significant impact on Australian culture.
FAQs
1. What was Mark Read’s nickname?
Mark Read’s nickname was “Chopper.”
2. What crimes was Mark Read known for?
Mark Read was known for committing crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and assault.
3. When did Mark Read start writing books?
Mark Read started writing books about his experiences in prison in the 1990s.
4. What is the Chopper Squad?
The Chopper Squad is a specialized unit tasked with investigating violent crime in Melbourne and Victoria. It was named after Mark Read.
5. When did Mark Read pass away?
Mark Read passed away on October 9, 2013, after a long battle with liver cancer.