Linda Calvey's Criminal Odyssey: From Housewife to 'The Black Widow'

Linda Calvey's life took a dramatic turn in the swinging sixties when, at 19, she met Mickey Calvey, a gangster recently released from prison. Describing it as 'love at first sight,' Linda left her secretarial job for what she perceived as the intoxicating glamour of London's underworld.

Mickey Calvey, an armed robber, introduced his new girlfriend to figures like the Kray twins, and Linda quickly adapted to the life of a gangster's moll. The couple had two children and lived in East London for nearly a decade, supported by Mickey's high-stakes bank robberies. However, these criminal activities led to his downfall.

In 1978, Mickey Calvey was shot and killed by the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad during a heist. Linda Calvey was convinced the shooting was unlawful. Devastated and left to raise her family alone, she embarked on her own criminal path, earning the moniker 'The Black Widow.' Her initial involvement in crime was indirectly learned while making tea and sandwiches for her husband's gang as they planned robberies.

Descent into Crime

Calvey's criminal career escalated when she became a getaway driver and later participated directly in robberies, earning substantial sums. This period saw her transform into a different person, a change that starkly contrasted with her own realization of the consequences when she was arrested, with a policeman holding a gun to her face. In 1986, she was sentenced to seven years for her role in post office robberies, during which she used ammonia spray, causing severe chemical burns.

While serving time, Calvey encountered notorious inmates such as Myra Hindley, whom she confronted for singing while in prison. After serving half her sentence, she was released and attempted to build a legitimate life, starting a soft furnishings business with her sister.

Gangland Murder Conviction

Her attempt at a law-abiding life was complicated by her relationship with Ronnie Cook, another armed robber. Shortly after Cook's release from prison, he was shot and killed in Calvey's home. Although Calvey maintained her innocence and was initially a witness, she was charged and subsequently convicted of Cook's murder in 1991, receiving an 18-year sentence. The prosecution alleged she paid a hitman £10,000 for the murder. She was convicted alongside Daniel Reece, whom she later married in prison.

The nickname 'The Black Widow' became associated with her as rumors spread that the men in her life met untimely ends or faced imprisonment. During her time in tougher prisons like Holloway and Durham, Calvey reported a degree of respect or avoidance from other inmates due to her reputation. She also recounted interactions with figures such as Rose West and Maria Pearson, Britain's longest-serving female prisoner.

Life After Prison

Calvey served a total of 22 years in 14 different prisons. Following her release, she has transitioned to a quiet life, becoming a grandmother of eight and an author. Her story is now being explored in the "On The Case" podcast.