The Life and Legend of John Bindon: London’s Real-Life Gangster Actor

John Bindon was a man who seemed to step straight out of a gritty British crime film—because, quite often, he did. Born on October 4, 1943, in Fulham, London, Bindon rose to fame as an actor. However, his off-screen life, rife with tales of high society liaisons, alleged criminal connections, and even heroic acts, made him a figure as controversial as he was captivating.

The Actor with a Dangerous Edge

Bindon’s acting career began in the late 1960s, thanks to his tough demeanor and unmistakable charisma. Spotted by playwright Nell Dunn, he caught the eye of director Ken Loach, who cast him in Poor Cow (1967), a realist drama that perfectly suited Bindon’s raw talent. He continued to gain notoriety with roles in films like Performance (1970), alongside Mick Jagger, and Barry Lyndon (1975), directed by Stanley Kubrick. Bindon played characters that mirrored his real-life persona: gritty, intimidating, and unapologetically rough around the edges​.

A Star Among Royals and Rock Stars

Bindon’s life wasn’t limited to the silver screen. He became a fixture in London’s high society, with friendships spanning from Princess Margaret to rock icons like David Bowie. His rumored affair with Princess Margaret fueled tabloid speculation, though never proven. Bindon’s charm earned him access to circles far removed from his working-class roots, even as his rough persona hinted at a darker side​.

The Dark Side: Crime and Violence

For all his charm, Bindon’s life was marked by brushes with the law and his alleged involvement in London’s criminal underworld. His connections reportedly included notorious figures like the Kray twins. Some claim he was the Kray’s “enforcer”. Bindon also worked security for bands like Led Zeppelin, further cementing his reputation as a “gangster” and someone who could handle himself in a fight.

In 1968, Bindon even received the Queen’s Award for Bravery after rescuing a man from drowning in the Thames. However, rumors persist that he may have pushed the man in first—a perfect encapsulation of the mythos surrounding him​.

Bindon’s Bizarre Party Trick

It has been reported that Bindon’s favourite party trick was to hang five half-pint beer tankards from his manhood.

Bindon and the Baker Street Robbery

John Bindon’s connection to the infamous Baker Street robbery of 1971 remains speculative rather than confirmed. The Baker Street robbery, in which thieves tunneled into the vault of Lloyds Bank and stole millions of pounds worth of cash and valuables, has been a source of fascination and mystery.

There have long been rumors suggesting that the 1971 London bank robbery was partly motivated by the desire to steal compromising photographs of John Bindon with Princess Margaret. According to some reports, Bindon was romantically linked to the princess, and certain photographs of the two were believed to be in the vault at Lloyds Bank. These photos allegedly featured Bindon and Margaret during their time together on the exclusive Caribbean island of Mustique, where they were reportedly seen in intimate settings.

The rumour goes that the thieves targeted the bank to retrieve these photographs and prevent their release (possibly with the involvement of MI5), which would have been a scandalous revelation given Bindon’s criminal ties and the princess’s royal status. However, there is no solid evidence to prove this theory, and it remains speculative.

It’s worth noting that Bindon himself was never charged in relation to the robbery, and the photographs’ existence or their significance remains unclear.

The Putney Pub Incident: Murder and Acquittal

Bindon’s life took a dramatic turn in 1978 when he was charged with the murder of gangster John Darke. The two had a violent altercation outside a pub in Putney, reportedly over unpaid debts. Darke was fatally stabbed, and Bindon fled to Ireland before eventually returning to stand trial. His defense argued self-defense, and Bindon was acquitted, but the case permanently damaged his career and reputation​.

A Tragic Final Act

After the trial, Bindon’s life spiraled downward. His career stalled, and his health deteriorated due to heavy drinking and substance abuse. He passed away on October 10, 1993, from complications related to his lifestyle.

The Legacy of John Bindon

John Bindon remains a fascinating figure in British cultural history. He was a man of contradictions: a working-class hero with access to the aristocracy, a charismatic actor with a violent streak, and a man whose life blurred the lines between fiction and reality. Whether as a villain on-screen or a charmer off it, Bindon lived a life that, much like his film roles, left an indelible mark.