The Gangster's Ghost

 In this episode Regan is already public enemy number one with both the underworld and police after the disappearance and presumed murder of his girlfriend’s toddler son, Karlos Scott-Huie. For some, Regan had signed his own death warrant despite his denials that he ever harmed the child. Then in August 1974, one of Regan’s close associates and his alleged partner in organising the Whiskey Au Go nightclub mass murder in Brisbane the previous year, the criminal John “Ratty” Clarke, is shot dead in a pub in Sydney’s inner-west. Regan is immediately blamed for that murder, too. Then, after a pleasant September afternoon picnic with his young daughter Helen, Regan heads off to a prearranged mystery meeting in Marrickville. He arrives in Chapel Street relaxed and unarmed. Soon after at least three shooters appear out of nowhere and gun down Regan. In just a matter of moments Sydney’s most feared gangster is dead, bleeding out in front of a local primary school. Who killed Regan and why? The answers to those questions have remained unanswered for half a century. Until now. Read more about this case and see photographs, videos, timelines and more at gangstersghost.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Regan is a suspect following the suspicious death of brothel madam and whistleblower Shirley Brifman in Brisbane where the gangster is using his muscle to expand his various business ventures. Regan hooks up with the shady Clockwork Orange Gang and rocks the Queensland capital with a series of nightclub fires as he tries to set up a lucrative extortion racket which culminates in the Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub firebombing that leaves 15 innocent people dead and becomes the largest mass murder in Australian criminal history.  For the first time Regan’s relationship with the Whiskey tragedy is exposed. And it may just have pulled the trigger on a plot not just to silence him but to get rid of him for good. Read more about this case and see photographs, videos, timelines and more at gangstersghost.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Regan’s de facto partner Marg reveals the truth behind life with a man who was transforming from scallywag to a full-blown criminal. He introduces her to some of the top gangsters of the day. Meanwhile, Regan becomes a suspect in a gangland killing and comes under almost permanent police scrutiny. Matt and Kelly track down Regan’s longstanding solicitor hoping for a goldmine of information about The Magician but things don’t go to plan. Meanwhile, Regan, pursues whistleblowing vice queen Shirley Brifman who flees Sydney for Brisbane in fear for her life, and senses some big business opportunities in the Sunshine State.   Read more about this case and see photographs, videos, timelines and more at gangstersghost.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Regan, fresh from a boys’ correctional home, steps out into the wild streets of Sydney noir. He quickly makes his mark in notorious Kings Cross as a teenage brothel lord. Regan also cements his reputation as a violent enforcer with a hair-trigger temper, willing to eliminate anyone who gets in the way of his ambition to be the most powerful gangster not just in Sydney, but Australia. Then he meets Margaret, the love of his life. But it’s his complicated relationship with his mother – The Colonel – that continues to fuel his rage against women, men, the police and society in general. In short shrift he becomes the archetypal Wild Child, unleashed. Subscribers to The Australian hear new episodes of The Gangster's Ghost first. Plus, you can see photographs, videos, timelines and more at gangstersghost.com.au Read more:  Gangster tried to strangle corruption whistleblower: Regan link to vice queen murder Who’s who of the Glittering Mile: Sydney’s one-time crim kings  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny Regan's early years were completely dominated by his obsessive mother, Clare, nicknamed "The Colonel", who frowned upon his friendships, didn’t allow him to play sports, and publicly horsewhipped her young son.  She was married to Alf Regan, the town drunk, the pair having met at The Australian Hotel where Clare worked as a barmaid. With the marriage over by the mid-1950s, Clare took her son to Sydney, starting a new life in the mean streets of Darlinghurst, where the gangster takes shape. In this episode, Matthew Condon visits the country NSW town of Young to retrace the childhood of Stewart John Regan and delve into his troubled early years. Subscribers to The Australian hear new episodes of The Gangster's Ghost first. Plus, you can see photographs, videos, timelines and more at gangstersghost.com.au Read more: How ruthless mum shaped her deadly gangster sonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johnny 'The Magician' Regan was a murderer, pimp and psychopath, gunned down by three assassins in a grimy back lane in 1974. He was 29. Matthew Condon investigates gangland’s last great murder mystery. Subscribers to The Australian and registered users hear episodes of 'The Gangster's Ghost' first at gangstersghost.com.au. Plus you can read more about this case, see exclusive stories, photos, videos and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.