Charlie Wilson

Charles Frederick Wilson (30 June 1932 – 23 April 1990) was an English career criminal. A member of the Great Train Robbery gang, of which he was treasurer, he was shot dead on the doorstep of his Marbella home in 1990. Early life Wilson was born on 30 June 1932 to Bill and Mabel Wilson in Battersea, London. Of heavy build and handsome appearance, with piercing blue eyes, Wilson was, from an early age, an intimidating presence. His friends from childhood included Jimmy Hussey, Tommy Wisbey, Bruce Reynolds and Gordon Goody. Later on, he met Buster Edwards and two car thieves, Mickey Ball and Roy James. From 1948 to 1950 he undertook National Service. In 1955 he married Patricia (Pat) Osbourne, with whom he had three children. Early career Wilson turned to crime early in life and spurned his father's legitimate but low-income wage. While he did have legitimate work in his in-laws' grocer's shop, he also was a thief and his criminal proceeds went into buying shares in various gambling enterprises. He went to jail for short spells for numerous offences.