Brazen crook who raided bookies with hammer dies behind bars at Scots prison

A notorious criminal who carried out a violent robbery at a bookmaker’s shop using a hammer has passed away while serving time in a Scottish prison. Lee Brown, aged 36, died in HMP Addiewell on November 17, 2024, where he was serving a 43-month sentence. The Edinburgh Live reported that the police have been informed of his death, and a mandatory Fatal Accident Inquiry is set to take place.

Brown was incarcerated in 2023 after pleading guilty to assaulting a couple and threatening the man with violence during a robbery. Alongside an accomplice, Brown had demanded the couple to hand over the keys to their safe, threatening to harm the man if they did not comply. Wearing a face covering, a high-visibility jacket, black gloves, and taped black bags over his shoes, Brown and his partner made off with two mobile phones after being told the couple did not have a safe.

This was not Brown’s first encounter with the law, as he had previously served over six years in prison back in 2011 at the age of 22. During his criminal career, he had targeted a Ladbrokes branch armed with a hammer and a table leg, fleeing with £2000.

In response to Brown’s death, a Scottish Prison Service spokesperson expressed condolences, stating that every death in custody or in the community is a tragedy. The matter has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal and authorities are conducting the necessary investigations, including a Fatal Accident Inquiry.

The news of Brown’s demise has reignited discussions around crime, justice, and rehabilitation within the Scottish prison system. It serves as a reminder of the complex issues surrounding criminal behavior, punishment, and the need for effective rehabilitation programs to prevent reoffending in the future.

In conclusion, the demise of Lee Brown highlights the ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system and the importance of holistic approaches to tackling crime, addressing root causes, and supporting individuals to reintegrate successfully into society upon release. The incident underscores the need for continued efforts in crime prevention, offender rehabilitation, and community support to create a safer and more inclusive society for all.