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Lee Wenham, the sole member of the Millennium Dome robbers willing to recount his experiences, plays a significant role in the captivating Netflix docu-series, The Diamond Heist. In a recent update, he has shared new developments regarding his life after those scandalous events.
The series highlights an incredible true story filled with dramatic events, showcasing a cat-and-mouse chase between law enforcement and a team of experienced criminals targeting a staggering £350 million in diamonds, including the famed Millennium Star.
Had they succeeded, it would have been heralded as the largest heist in history. However, an unrelated drink driving incident inadvertently exposed their plans, leading police to intervene and formulate their strategy.
This heist was orchestrated by ringleader Ray Betson, who enlisted Wenham’s assistance, casting him as a charismatic figure that audiences can’t help but cheer for. In addition to his appearance in the documentary, Wenham is also working on a memoir, which promises to offer deeper insights into his colorful past.
Where is Lee Wenham now?
Since his release from prison in 2005, Lee Wenham has transformed his life, channeling his energy into running a landscaping business and nurturing his two daughters, Beth and Ellie. For those interested in his journey, his memoir titled Diamond Gangster is slated for release later this year.
This book, subtitled The Inside Story Behind the GBP350 Million Millennium Dome Heist, is already available for pre-order on Amazon, with a publication date set for May 22, 2025.
The book’s synopsis hints at Wenham’s deep-seated history in crime, being raised in a notorious Gypsy family and destined for a life of mischief.
“In his candid memoir, Wenham shares both thrilling and often humorous anecdotes from his criminal life, along with details of his pivotal role in the unfortunate Millennium Dome heist, where he and his crew tried to steal a massive £350 million worth of jewels,” reads the description.
Wenham’s profile on the Andrew Lownie Literary Agency site describes him as a dedicated family man and skilled gardener who reflects on his past with a humorously critical perspective.
How long was he in prison for?
Wenham served a total of four and a half years behind bars, a significant reduction from the 13-year sentence he received for two separate offenses.
Several mitigating factors contributed to the shortened sentence, including his good behavior, the absence of physical harm to others, and his guilty plea.
Wenham was released in 2005 after being arrested in 2000, serving roughly half of his sentence.
As recounted in the docu-series, Wenham explains that Betson approached him at the dawn of the new millennium with an ambitious plan to rob the De Beers diamond collection.
Although initially taken aback by the audacity, Wenham agreed, rallying a diverse team of skilled individuals to execute the plan.
The crew included Bob Adams, The Builder; Bill Cockram, The Muscle; Aldo Ciarrocchi, The Technician; Terry Millman, The Experienced; and Kevin Meredith, The Boatman.
The heist took place on November 7, 2000, but the group was thwarted by law enforcement who had been monitoring them for weeks.
Ultimately, Wenham faced arrest not just for this incident but also for a failed robbery attempt in Aylesford, Kent. He received a four-year sentence for the Dome heist and nine years for the Aylesford attempt.
Despite his sentence being reduced, Wenham made a pivotal decision to cooperate with prosecutors. His father, whom he deeply admires, had also been apprehended due to his ownership of Tong Farm, the base for Wenham and his accomplices.
Wenham vividly recalls witnessing his father’s decline while incarcerated: “He wasn’t doing too well,” he stated, explaining that his father lost a significant amount of weight and suffered during his time in prison.
Under pressure, Wenham agreed to plead guilty, knowing it might lead to his father’s release.
Wenham’s commitment to family is evident, highlighted by a heartwarming scene in The Diamond Heist where he strolls through a field with his daughter Beth. When she asks if prison changed him, he candidly replies, “It did change me. It makes you think a bit more before you do things, you know?”
Reflecting on his younger days during the heist at 30 and 32, he admits his priorities then were solely focused on the potential windfall, not the consequences. “I was young and didn’t think things through,” he noted with a mix of nostalgia and humor, affirming his commitment to a more lawful life now.
What happened to Terry Millman?
While the docu-series does not cover this aspect, it’s important to note that Terence ‘Terry’ Millman passed away on July 13, 2001, just four months preceding his trial, after battling stomach cancer while out on bail.
Wenham recalls Millman as a quintessential East End gangster, and various police reports suggest that the heist might have succeeded had Millman not been involved in a drink driving incident that led to his arrest, bringing unwanted attention to their operations.
After crashing his vehicle into a pub, his criminal background was revealed, and police matched his fingerprints from a previous crime. Instead of confronting him immediately, officers chose to monitor him, ultimately uncovering the plot hatched at Tong Farm.
Despite recognizing Millman as a “f**king nightmare,” Wenham’s demeanor suggests a fondness and nostalgia for his late accomplice.
The Diamond Heist is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering audiences a closer look into this remarkable case.
Source
www.dexerto.com