A charismatic drug smuggler who used horse racing to launder his ill-gotten gains is finally behind bars after once saying that he would be prepared to bet £1 million that his crimes would never see a trial.
Brian Wright, whose claims that he "always delivered" earned him the nickname of the 'milkman' will finally be sentenced to prison at London's Woolwich Crown court. After a two month court case, Wright was found guilty of conspiracy to evade prohibition on the importation of drugs and conspiracy to supply drugs.
Wright went on the run in 1999, seeking refuge in Cyprus and Spain when 15 members of his drug-running gang were arrested for smuggling cocaine into Britain on board yachts.
Irish-born Wright moved to England while child and after dropping out of school, he turned his hand to a number of jobs including working jobs as a bookie's runner, a casino croupier and an unlicensed bookmaker.
A knowledgable gambler, Wright managed to net two £1 million bets on the St Leger in 1989 and 1998.
Before he was exposed as Britain's richest criminal, he held a box at Royal Ascot for 14 years and rubbed shoulders with bookie Victor Chandler. In court Wright still maintained that he was a legitimate businessman.
Customs officers remarked that the Milkman could regret his final bet at his leisure as Judge Peter Moss will ensure that the criminal will no longer evade justice.
A charismatic drug smuggler who used horse racing to launder his ill-gotten gains is finally behind bars after once saying that he would be prepared to bet £1 million that his crimes would never see a trial.