Nicky Crane: Rough Trade

He was the British extreme right's most feared streetfighter. But almost right up to his death 20 years ago, Nicky Crane led a precarious dual existence - until it fell dramatically apart.

The skinhead gang marched in military formation down the High Street clutching iron bars, knives, staves, pickaxe handles and clubs.

There were at least 100 of them. They had spent two days planning their attack. The date was 28 March 1980.

Soon they reached their target - a queue of mostly black filmgoers outside the Odeon cinema in Woolwich, south-east London.

Then the skinheads charged.

Most of them belonged to an extreme far-right group called the British Movement (BM).

This particular "unit" had already acquired a reputation for brutal racist violence thanks to its charismatic young local organiser. Many victims had learned to fear the sight of his 6ft 2in frame, which was adorned with Nazi tattoos. His name was Nicky Crane.

But as he led the ambush, Crane was concealing a secret from his enemies and his fascist comrades alike. Crane knew he was gay, but hadn't acted on it. Not yet...

BBC News magazine.

Jon Kelly profiles the Neo-Nazi thug Nicky Crane, who died of Aids 20 years ago today.
It's certainly a fascinating story, and has been told several times before.
This has to be one of the longest accounts I've ever read though, and one of the longest features by far I've ever seen on BBC News magazine - and it's not linked to any BBC programme.
All a bit odd/off - but the straight media sure do love doing stuff about gay Nazis.
Whodathunkit? etc.
Guess it must just be their favourite bit of rough.