But the author believes Duffy was determined to have it out with his foe and rival. Read More Related Articles It was at the hands of a man who he once called a friend that Duffy lost his life. David Allison and Duffy had exchanged words at a blues party in the Afro Caribbean Centre. It delves into the lives of Stephen Sayers and his brothers John Henry and Michael, from childhood in Newcastle's West End right up to the present day. The book features unseen court documents, statements and interview recordings to explore the notorious family's past, and police's attempts to bring them down, Chronicle Live reported in 2020. Listened to a podcast there on Lee Duffy after reading here about him. The author Jamie Boyle Actually hero worships him. And the book will no doubt be of interest to Teessiders, with one chapter focusing solely on notorious hardman, Lee Duffy.

In August 1991 Duffy’s life came to a violent end when he was stabbed during a brutal street brawl in Marton Road, Middlesbrough aged just 26. From what I've heard mate, from a good source, he was a bit of a bully and he wasn't what you would call a hard fella. A spokesman for Lytton Bros Pictures added: "It was great to finally spend a couple of days in Newcastle and start casting the film. We also took time to visit a few locations and catch up with Stephen himself. This is an exciting project and we are looking forward to helping bring it to life on the big screen." Many comparisons have been made between Duffy and Graham, who was shot dead in Wallsend in 1993, over the years. Outside the court, his mother said: "It's not a true verdict. There is only one good thing that has come out of this - Lee would not have wanted him to go to jail because Lee was not a man who wanted anyone to go to jail. Lee could have accepted it, but it is different for me."

Operation Sayers is a book that delves into the lives of Stephen Sayers and his brothers John Henry and Michael, from childhood in Newcastle's West End right up to the present day. I’ve spoken to people who knew him as a child and he would often be seen walking around his estate late on a school night because he never wanted to go home. Allison smiled and cheers erupted from the public gallery when a jury found him not guilty of murder and manslaughter. Read More Related Articles

I've spoken to former drug dealers from Grangetown, Eston and South Bank, as well as figures like former pro-boxer Manny Burgo and school friends of Lee", Jamie told Teesside Live. Read More Related Articles Duffy spent many years in Durham Prison and was in at the same time as Viv Graham. They clashed because they were the alpha male type. It was almost like he wanted to prove who was the top dog in the North East,” said Jamie.I never met Viv but his story is legendary," said Gary. "It is going to be an honour portraying him in the film. I have never done any acting before, but I hope this film does well and it leads to other opportunities." Prior to his violent death in 1991, the ex-boxer and bouncer had already survived three alleged attempts on his life - he was shot on two occasions and once had petrol poured over him. The book will be released in August and will include exclusive insight from former Cleveland Police Detective Inspector, Ray Morton, as well as school friends and former underworld figures.