Ep 8. George Freeman - The King of Sydney

George Freeman - The King of Sydney is the eighth and final episode of the second season of Australian Crime Stories. This episode delves into the life of George Freeman, a notorious and powerful figure in the Sydney underworld during the mid-20th century. Freeman was a charismatic and influential criminal who had a stranglehold on the city's illegal activities, including drugs, prostitution, and gambling.

The episode begins by tracing Freeman's beginnings as a small-time crook in the 1920s and 1930s, before he emerged as a major player in the Sydney crime scene after World War II. Freeman's reputation grew thanks to his involvement in a range of criminal activities, such as running illegal betting venues and operating bootlegging and drug distribution networks.

As Freeman's influence grew, so did his notoriety. He was known for his flashy style, and frequently appeared in public with his much younger girlfriend, Lillian May McKenzie. Freeman's connections in both legal and criminal circles helped him evade justice, as he repeatedly escaped charges for serious crimes such as murder and armed robbery.

The episode also explores the complex relationship between Freeman and the New South Wales police force. While some officers saw him as a valuable source of information on the criminal underworld, others saw him as a serious threat to public safety. Regardless, Freeman had numerous run-ins with the law, and was even involved in a high-profile shootout with police in 1979.

Despite his numerous enemies, Freeman continued to enjoy a life of wealth, power, and luxury, with his gambling and prostitution businesses bringing in huge profits. However, his empire began to crumble in the 1980s, as he was arrested and charged with a range of crimes, including cocaine trafficking. Freeman died in 1990, aged 81, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most infamous and enduring figures in Australian criminal history.

Overall, George Freeman - The King of Sydney offers a fascinating and in-depth look at one of the most notorious figures in Australian crime history. Through interviews with former associates, historians, and law enforcement officials, the episode paints a compelling portrait of a man whose reputation as a powerful, influential, and ruthless criminal still endures to this day.