Former professional criminal Michael Blackmore – f

Former professional criminal Michael Blackmore – found shot
dead in Amsterdam four months ago – was the victim of drug
gangsters, an inquest was told today Thursday.

And his killing is probably linked to other recent drug-
related deaths in Holland and Spain, said a detective.

But why Blackmore, 45, was in Holland was a mystery to his
wife and family, his brother-in-law Michael O’Brien told the
inquest.

‘We thought he was on business in Bristol, something to do
with art work,’ said Mr.

O’Brien.

Father of two Blackmore left his Urlwin Street, Camberwell,
home on September 18 last year.

Two days later his body was found in the early hours dumped
outside a car park near a metro station in the suburbs of Amsterdam.

He had been shot three times in the chest with a pistol.

The
shooting had not been carried out at the place he was found.

‘To add to the mystery his car was later found dumped in a
car park in Calais,’ said Southwark coroner Sir Montague Levine.

Det.

Insp.

Richard Taber, of Scotland Yard’s Special Operations
Squad, said police could find no evidence of a trip to Bristol
and his movements on the continent were unknown.

He said Blackmore – also known as Michael Iles – had recently come
out of prison but since his release ‘had not come to the attention
of police.

‘
The officer said: ‘At one time it could be said that he was
described as a professional criminal.

‘
Replying to questions from the coroner, the inspector agreed
that ‘other recent deaths in Holland and Spain were drug-related
and which may be linked to Blackmore.

‘
The coroner, who was told the investigation into the murder
was continuing by British and Dutch police, recorded a verdict
of unlawful killing.

Blackmore’s wife was too upset to attend the inquest.

ENDS
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