Ep 5. Dockers & Death: The Kane Brothers

Australian Families Of Crime season 1 episode 5, titled "Dockers & Death: The Kane Brothers" is a gripping exploration of the criminal underworld in Australia. In this episode, viewers are introduced to the infamous Kane Brothers - Brian, Leslie, and Ray - and their associates, who were involved in a range of criminal activities spanning decades.

The episode delves into the lives of the Kane Brothers, tracing their criminal past back to their childhoods in Liverpool, England. We learn how they eventually made their way to Australia and quickly established themselves as key figures in the criminal underworld. In particular, we see how they were able to infiltrate the Australian waterfront, creating an extensive smuggling network that allowed them to bring drugs, guns, and other contraband into the country.

The episode also explores the violent and often deadly nature of the Kane Brothers' criminal activities. We see how they were involved in numerous shootings and murders, both within their own gang and with rival criminal organizations. One of the most shocking incidents documented in the episode is the murder of a young dock worker named Noel Roebuck, who was killed by members of the Kane gang after he tried to report their criminal activities to the authorities.

Despite their violent activities, the Kane Brothers were able to maintain a certain level of respect within the criminal underworld. We see how they were able to hold court at the local pub, wielding their power over other gangsters and even the police. But as their criminal empire grew, so did the attention of law enforcement, and the episode explores how the Kane Brothers and their associates were eventually caught and brought to justice.

Throughout the episode, we hear from experts in criminology and law enforcement, who provide valuable insights into the psychology of the Kane Brothers and the larger societal factors that allowed them to thrive. We also hear from family members and friends of the Kane Brothers, who provide a humanizing perspective on their lives and criminal activities.

Overall, "Dockers & Death: The Kane Brothers" is a riveting and eye-opening exploration of a notorious criminal gang in Australia. With a blend of expert analysis and personal anecdotes, the episode paints a vivid portrait of the Kane Brothers and their impact on the country's criminal underworld.