Notorious Australian criminal Mark ‘Chopper’ Read has died

He had plenty of close calls with death throughout his life but, according to his manager Andrew Parisi, Mark ‘Chopper’ Read has died at the age of 58 following a battle with liver cancer.

Accoring to The Guardian, Parisi’s statement said: "I am deeply saddened to confirm the death of Mark Brandon Read, known widely throughout Australia and the world as 'Chopper.' A fortnight ago, Mark made his last public appearance in front of a sold-out audience at Melbourne's Athenaeum Theatre. Despite his failing health, he delighted the audience with his skills as a raconteur and storyteller. This is how he would wish to be remembered, as someone who spun a great yarn and made many people laugh. “At the time of his death, we ask that people reflect on how Mark was able to overcome his past and, after more than 23 years in prison, find a way to re-enter normal society. It is as a husband, father and friend that Mark will be missed most deeply. “In their time of grief, out of respect for Mark's two young sons in particular, the family requests utmost privacy." The man had his own ears cut off in prison, used blow torches and bolt cutters to torture rival gang members, and once famously told The New York Times, “Look, honestly, I haven’t killed that many people, probably about four or seven, depending on how you look at it.” Here is Australia's Channel 7 News report on the notorious criminal, best-selling author, and, ahmm, rapper's passing: For people here in Ireland, the half-eared gangster primarily came to prominence with the release of the excellent 2000 film, Chopper, in what was Australian actor Eric Bana’s first major lead role. Check out the trailer for the fascinating, scary and funny film here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDLtDQ55DBs