Jack Comer

Jack Spot (April 12 1919) was a notorious gangster during the 1930s and 40s. It should be noted that Spot had a number of aliases and nicknames, amongst them: Jacob Colmore, John Colmore, Jacob Comacho, Jack Comer. From the East End of London, Spot was known to run with Jack Kid Berg, the famous British championship boxer, and, like Berg, Spot was of Jewish origin.

Spot started out as a bookie's runner, before becoming involved in a protection racket in Petticoat Lane. He fell out with his partner in this, fought him, and took direct control of the protection racket. He was also acting as a lookout to a successful housebreaker.

After being arrest, in the wake of which he somehow managed to evade imprisonment despite asking for 40 offences to be taken into consideration, Spot returned to bookmaking.

It was not long before he re-established the protection rackets, principally offering protection against the fascist blackshirts.

Spot's control of the East End rackets waned in 1952 when Spot's former partner Billy Hill was released from prison after a failed £1.25 million heist on Heathrow Airport. Off-course bookmaking was also about to become legalised at this time, creating another dent in Spot's income.

On August 11 1955 a knife fight occurred between Spot and Albert Dimes in Soho. The case ended up in court although neither was jailed. After this, Spot progressively lost control of his crime empire. In 1956, Spot was attacked by "Mad" Frankie Fraser.

Bibliography:

• Gangland Bosses: The Lives Of Jack Spot And Billy Hill - James Morton, London, 2004