Great Train Robbery (1963) were getting hot, he decided to get rid of the money to avoid being found in possession with it". Hatherill does not mention Williams at all in his book. He retired on the last day of the trial at Aylesbury. The ten gang members who were arrested shortly after the robbery had to spend a large amount on legal fees (approximately £30,000 each). The robbers who spent much time on the run overseas—Reynolds, Wilson and Edwards—had very little left when finally arrested, having had to spend money avoiding capture and indulging in lavish lifestyles without finding employment. Much of Jimmy
The Great Train Robbery (novel) did not want to be constrained by what actually happened. The true story of the robbery can be found David C. Hanrahan's book "The First Great Train Robbery". The "New York Times" called it "Mr Crichton's best thriller to date". The "Los Angeles Times" described it as "marvellous fun". The book was one of the biggest best selling novels in the US in 1975. Three audiobook versions have been released: The novel was later made into a 1979 film entitled "The First Great Train Robbery" directed by Crichton starring Sean Connery as Pierce, Donald Sutherland as Agar and Lesley-Anne Down