Chopper Read, one of Australia’s roughest criminals and best-selling authors has died at age 58 of liver cancer. Read spent 23 years in jail, before being released in 1998. While on the inside, he penned multiple letters to a crime correspondent John Silverster who edited the letters, compiled them, and published ‘Chopper, From the Inside: The Confessions of Mark Brandon Read’ in 1991. Read’s book sold over 250,000 copies, and was adapted to film in 2000 with Eric Bana in the title role.

Read’s manager, Andrew Parisi released the following statement:

A fortnight ago, Mark made his last public appearance in front of a sold-out audience at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre. Despite his failing health, he delighted the audience with his skills as a raconteur and storyteller. This is how he would wish to be remembered, as someone who spun a great yarn and made many people laugh.

At the time of his death, we ask that people reflect on how Mark was able to overcome his past and, after more than 23 years in prison, find a way to re-enter normal society. It is as a husband, father and friend that Mark will be missed most deeply.

In their time of grief, out of respect for Mark’s two young sons in particular, the family requests utmost privacy.

2oceansviber, Sam VDG said Chopper was, “A man who society won’t thank, but the social fabric of Australia will.”

I wonder if Neville will be at the funeral.

[Source : Guardian]