Micky McAvoy, a key figure in the infamous £26m Brink’s-Mat robbery, has died with considerably less money than he helped steal. Known as “The Nutter”, McAvoy was part of the gang behind the 1983 heist at a warehouse at Heathrow Airport which saw gold bars, cash and diamonds stolen in what has been dubbed the “crime of the century”.
Despite the large sums involved in the robbery, McAvoy’s will shows that he left behind just £150,000, a fraction of the millions he is believed to have accumulated. This dramatic drop in wealth highlights the unpredictable nature of his life, as much of the loot was stolen while he was serving a 16-year sentence for the crime.
McAvoy’s story is not just one of theft, but also one marked by betrayal, violence and legal trouble. During his time in prison, he lost all his assets and was further devastated by the death of his wife, Kathleen McAvoy (Kathy McAvoy), which led to his suicide by an overdose of sleeping pills, according to a coroner.
The Brink’s-Mat robbery was famously depicted in the BBC series “Yellow”, remains a fascinating subject, not only because of the daring execution but also because of its far-reaching impact on the criminal world and even the global gold market. Much of the stolen gold is believed to have been laundered back into legitimate markets, contributing to large-scale money laundering.
McAvoy’s life after prison was mired in suspicion, especially after the brutal murder of a gang member, which some speculated he orchestrated. Though initially promised riches, his final days reflected the fleeting nature of criminal success.
His will, which left the remainder of his fortune to his daughter and two friends, underscores the harsh realities of a life of crime: loss of freedom, broken trust, and ultimately the disappearance of the very fortune one sought to attain.
