‘Ronnie Kray scared me in jail – I noticed him pour scalding water on inmates’ head’

An armed robber who rubbed shoulders with some of the most notorious men in the country says one villain scared him more than anyone else.

Ronnie Field, 77, was friendly with ‘Britain’s hardest man’ Lenny McLean – who he compared to the Hulk and said making jokes was dangerous.

But it was gangland killer Ronnie Kray who frightened him after witnessing the infamous gangster pour scalding water on an inmate’s head.

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He told the chilling story in his new book ‘Nefarious: A Life in Crime’ where he opened up about his wild past for the first time.

Field served three jail terms and was given 12 years for conspiracy to rob, robbery, aggravated burglary, two counts of carrying a firearm with intent and four counts of assault with intent to rob.

He was dubbed ‘Britain’s most feared armed robber’ and he became close with the Krays in Parkhurst prison after the dangerous duo were locked up for the murders of Jack McVitie and George Cornell.

And speaking about the East End brothers, who ran a ruthless gang called The Firm, he said: “Ron scared me. I do admit, although Joe (Pyle) once said that Reg was the more dangerous brother because he was good at concealing his mood and not giving away any violent intention until it was too late.

“With Ron, he couldn’t hide his feelings. If he started getting the needle with someone he’d growl, ‘F*** off, you’re getting on my nerves.’ And if you had any sense you’d f*** off.”

And Ronnie’s violent unpredictability was demonstrated one afternoon in the lounge area of the hospital wing of the prison.

Field was drinking tea and watching television with the Krays and some other “trusted” inmates when the peaceful scene suddenly turned ugly.

He remembered: “A young red band – an inmate who the authorities trusted – was charged with the job of refilling our cups. He’d walk around with his stainless-steel bucket, politely asking if we wanted refilling. It was his first day on this job, Ron told us. It was all very civilised.

“The lad refilled us one by one and got to Ron. He nodded, the boy poured and walked off to the next group. Ron glared into his mug and then jumped up, shouted something, and snatched the urn from the lad and poured scalding water over his head. The warders pulled Ron away and ushered the traumatised trusty out of the room.”

According to Field, Reggie asked his brother why he did it before he replied: “‘He was taking the piss out of me.’”

He went to explain that the youngster had only filled up his tea half-way – despite him always taking his drink that way. According to Field, it had not occurred to Ronnie that the lad had been told about his preference before he lashed out at him.

The criminal was soon transferred to the psychiatric hospital Broadmoore and the next time Field saw him was in a patient-visitor scenario.

During one visit, he revealed to podcaster Dodge Woodall that Ronnie gave him a “hit list” of 12 men he wanted dead.

Field attended Ronnie’s funeral in 1995 after he suffered a heart attack – before standing trial with brother Charlie Kray two years later over an alleged cocaine supply ring.

Nefarious A Life In Crime was published on Wednesday (May 23) and is available to buy here