How Freddie ‘Pepper’ Gray, 25, lived off a lead paint settlement after being poisoned as a child and was well known to police following at least 18 arrests

Freddie Gray (pictured) was a 25-year-old African-American who grew up in Baltimore’s impoverished west side. Nicknamed ‘Pepper’, he was described by an ex-girlfriend as happy-go-lucky with an infectious sense of humor. The Baltimore police knew him, however, as a 5ft-8ins felon who had notched up at least 18 arrests and a handful of convictions – mainly for Class A drugs but also burglary, assault and illegal gambling. He died from a severe injury to his spine on April 19th – one week after being arrested by police (bottom) following a chase on foot through his Baltimore neighborhood. He was arrested in possession of a switchblade.

Just a few days ago I read glowing reports of the life of Saint Freddie Gray in national newspapers.  As a son, a student and all round nice guy.    Those stories seem to be very hard to find today.  After Freddie Gray’s rap sheet was released.

But it took a British newspaper to come up with the details of his extensive criminal career.