Episode 2: The Colonel
Johnny Regan’s early years were completely dominated by his obsessive mother, Clare, nicknamed “The Colonel”, who frowned upon his friendships, didn’t allow him to play sports, and publicly horsewhipped her young son.
She was married to Alf Regan, the town drunk, the pair having met at The Australian Hotel where Clare worked as a barmaid. With the marriage over by the mid-1950s, Clare took her son to Sydney, starting a new life in the mean streets of Darlinghurst, where the gangster takes shape.
In this episode, Matthew Condon visits the country NSW town of Young to retrace the childhood of Stewart John Regan and delve into his troubled early years.
Read more about this case and see photographs, videos, timelines and more at gangstersghost.com.au
Previous Episodes
You might like
The Gangster’s Ghost
Johnny ‘The Magician’ Regan was a murderer, pimp and psychopath, gunned down by three assassins in a grimy back lane in 1974. He was 29. Matthew Condon investigates gangland’s last great murder mystery. Find out why police didn’t lift a finger for five decades.
Bronwyn
A new investigative series from The Australian, coming soon.
The Teacher’s Pet
Lyn and Chris Dawson appear to have the perfect marriage. He's a star footballer and popular high school teacher. She's a devoted wife and mother. They share a beautiful home above Sydney's northern beaches. But when Lyn goes missing, dark secrets are buried.
Shandee’s Story
Shandee Blackburn was brutally murdered as she walked home from work - but this cold-case can still be solved. Listen on our app.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/episode-2-the-colonel/audio/a50866dd868078f67d6cb69ab5c9cb03