Manhunt Gunman Found Dead (Press, 15 March 1984)

David Martin, once Britain's most wanted criminal, was discovered hanged in his cell at Parkhurst prison on the Isle of Wight on 14 March 1984, according to the Home Office. Martin, who was 37 years old, was serving a 25-year sentence for grievous bodily harm, firearms offences, and other crimes. His criminal history included a notorious manhunt that resulted in the accidental shooting of film editor Stephen Waldorf, who had recently been awarded £120,000 in compensation from the Metropolitan Police. During his time in prison, it was reported that Martin engaged in a homosexual relationship with mass murderer Dennis Nilsen after both men met while being held on remand at Brixton prison. Martin had previously gained notoriety after escaping from a cell at Marlborough Street Court in London on Christmas Eve in 1982, where he was awaiting trial for attempted murder, firearms offences, and bank robbery. While on the run, Martin embraced his transvestite fantasies, walking the streets of London as a woman and even posing in drag for photographs. His evasion of authorities ended dramatically in an underground tunnel in Belsize Park, north London, where he staged what was described as a “suicide walk,” resisting police commands to raise his hands. A solicitor representing Martin indicated that he had a “death wish” and was unable to cope with life in prison. The announcement of his death was not entirely surprising to those who knew him, according to his legal representative, Anthony Blok.

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