In today's episode of the Criminal Connection Podcast, host Terry Stone sits down with one of Britain's former most wanted men, Ray Bishop. Ray’s life is an extraordinary tale of crime, punishment, and eventual redemption. From armed robberies and drug smuggling to rehabilitation and a fresh start, Ray’s story offers a powerful message of hope for those looking to turn their lives around.
Let’s explore Ray’s journey in more detail, revealing the struggles, choices, and eventual transformation of a man who spent over 17 years in prison.
From a Tough Childhood to Crime
Ray Bishop's path to criminality began at a young age. Growing up in poverty in South London, surrounded by the likes of Lee Murray and other notorious figures, Ray was heavily influenced by his environment. The police presence on his council estate was hostile, and as Ray recalls, they often labeled and targeted young men from these estates, sometimes fitting them up for crimes they didn’t commit.
The Start of Crime
Ray started off with petty thefts, like stealing car radios, to get by. With no Bank of Mum and Dad, Ray, like many other kids, turned to petty crime to afford basic pleasures. “I had no bank of mum and dad,” Ray says, explaining the financial hardships that led him to the criminal underworld.
In a time where police brutality was rampant, especially in inner-city London estates, and opportunities were scarce, crime often seemed like the only way out. Poverty, Ray emphasises, was the driving factor behind his early criminal behaviour.
The Descent into Serious Crime
As Ray matured, his crimes became more serious. He began associating with older criminals in his area who were involved in armed robberies. These were the individuals Ray and his peers looked up to. “We looked up to these people because we had no other role models,” Ray explains. The path to more serious criminal activity became inevitable.
Ray became deeply involved in organised crime, including drug smuggling and armed robberies. His extensive criminal record includes convictions for firearms and drug-related crimes, as well as several escapes from prison. In fact, Ray once escaped from custody by holding a prison officer hostage. For a time, Ray was one of Britain’s most wanted men.
Smuggling Days
Ray’s smuggling operations were elaborate. He recalls using football fans on international trips as drug mules, smuggling cannabis and cocaine back into the UK. “There’s a lot of money in smuggling cigarettes back then,” he admits, describing how parcels of drugs would be transported through coachloads of English football fans returning from European matches.
But Ray’s criminal empire came crashing down when he was involved in a people-smuggling operation he wasn’t even aware of. What he thought was a shipment of drugs turned out to be 30 Eastern European immigrants. This incident eventually led to his arrest and a 10-year prison sentence.
Life in Prison
Ray’s time in prison was a turbulent one. He spent time in 31 different prisons, including high-security Category A prisons like Long Lartin. Inmates like Ray lived with the constant threat of violence. He describes the harsh reality of life inside, where he witnessed stabbings, suicides, and extreme self-harm.
Ray also experienced moments of intense personal reflection. He recalls the time he was almost sent to Broadmoor, the infamous high-security psychiatric hospital, following a series of violent incidents. “I was one psychiatrist's signature away from Broadmoor,” he says, highlighting just how close he came to losing his freedom forever.
Prison wasn’t just a place of violence for Ray; it also became a place of learning. It was during his time inside that Ray began to study psychology with the Open University, an education that helped him understand himself and the world around him better.
Redemption and Rehabilitation
Ray’s turning point came in 2014, after being convicted of an attempted robbery. Facing a potential life sentence, he wrote a heartfelt letter to the judge, expressing remorse and his desire to change. This letter, written from a place of genuine repentance, was a crucial moment in Ray’s rehabilitation.
“I wrote the judge a letter,” Ray explains, “and said, ‘I’ve lost my way.’” The judge, moved by Ray’s words, spared him a life sentence, instead giving him a five-year extended public protection sentence. This moment marked the beginning of Ray’s transformation.
Rebuilding His Life
Upon his release in 2017, Ray knew he had to make a change. He left prison with just £300 and a determination to build a better life. Starting from scratch, Ray founded a scaffolding company, which has grown into a successful million-pound business. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and hard work.
Ray is now a published author, with a book titled "Outlaw: The Memoirs of Britain's Most Wanted Man" and another one in the works. His upcoming book, "The Smuggler's Roulette," dives deeper into the world of smuggling and the human consequences of the drug trade.
Lessons Learned and Giving Back
Today, Ray is dedicated to helping others avoid the mistakes he made. He mentors young people, goes into prisons to give talks, and is a vocal advocate for the rehabilitation of ex-offenders. His message is clear: it is possible to change, no matter how far down the wrong path you’ve gone.
Ray also shares his belief in the importance of self-love and self-worth. He often reflects on what he would say to his younger self: “Someone loves you, and that person is me.” It’s a simple yet profound message, underscoring the importance of valuing oneself and making choices that reflect that self-worth.
Conclusion: A Story of Transformation
Ray Bishop’s story is one of the most compelling tales of redemption. From a life of crime to becoming a successful businessman and mentor, Ray’s journey is proof that people can change. His life serves as a beacon of hope for anyone who feels trapped by their past mistakes.
His message to those considering a life of crime is straightforward: “I’ve never met a winner in that game.” Ray’s story reminds us that while crime may offer short-term gains, it inevitably leads to long-term losses.
Through his scaffolding business, writing, and mentoring, Ray Bishop is building a better future—not just for himself, but for others who need a second chance.