Kray sups champagne at hotel on first night of freedom

Reggie Kray, who was released from prison on compassionate grounds, was toasting his freedom last night with champagne.

Reggie Kray, who was released from prison on compassionate grounds, was toasting his freedom last night with champagne.

The former gangland boss, 66, who has inoperable bowel cancer, left the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital yesterday and is staying at a £37.50-a-night Beefeater hotel on the outskirts of Norwich with his wife, Roberta, 41, and their security men.

He also felt well enough for two sandwiches and a glass of whisky at lunchtime before moving on to champagne. John Brunton, a publican and friend of the Krays, said he had been keen to have a room with a view of the river Wensum. "As soon as he arrived in the room we drew back the curtains so that he could enjoy the view.

"Water is something he has been desperate to see, simply because he hasn't seen it for 32 years. We chose this hotel because it was the nearest place we could find with a river view. He is delighted with the way he has settled in," Mr Brunton said.

Kray was given a life sentence at the Old Bailey in 1969 after being convicted of stabbing Jack "The Hat" McVitie to death in a flat in Stoke Newington, north London. He was freed on 26 August this year by Jack Straw, the Home Secretary, because of deteriorating health. It was said that he had already planned his funeral.

He was moved to hospital from Wayland prison, near Watton, Norfolk, 10 days earlier and was widely expected to die there, but his solicitor, Mark Goldstein, said his condition had stabilised and he was able to leave. He had been overwhelmed by the number of cards and telephone calls wishing him well, Mr Goldstein added. "He would like everyone to know that the continuing support provides the strength to battle against the cancer."

Mr Brunton said: "We are hoping that, without any pressure, this will give him longer to live... a matter of months rather than weeks. This isfreedom for him."