Product Description

Over the last two decades, Brian Cockerill has ruled his world with an iron fist. Using nothing but his hands as weapons, he has patrolled the streets, clubs and raves of Britain in order to keep order and to 'tax' those whose ill-gotten gains he sees fit to take a share of. Drug dealers and shady club promoters everywhere know that, if The Taxman is in town, it's time to pay up or get out. All know of the appalling violence this man can exert on his enemies, and of the incredible presence of body and mind that he possesses. Yet despite his appalling record of aggression, Brian is a man who lives by rules and respect - balanced yet unpredictable, he has never used weapons, and those who have used arms against him have barely lived to regret it. The facts of his life are as amazing and awe-inspiring as they are true.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32473 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

From the Author
I respond to the feedback left in respect of 'Warning Read Before Buying'. I do not know what makes such a comment possible, other than jealousy. It may well be from one of Brian's drug mugs, or other detractors.

My response is this is: Brian didn't just beat up this guy and that guy for the sake of it. The mention by this particular detractor of Brian slapping ‘I am the hardest man in Britain’ on the cover of his book should be enough to reveal the writer's anger that it is not he on the cover of the book. I class Brian as being in the top six of the hardest men on the planet, and at the time of writing to be the hardest in the UK.

I take on about half a dozen projects per year, projects I believe in. Certainly, The Tax Man was a project I acceptd as worthy of my efforts in bringing you a one off story, which this is. My readers know me for what I write, for every book I write, I turn down 100 potential projects.

This man, Brian Cockerill, is the real deal, he's not a pretender, although there are many out there. All what I would ask is that you accept my reputaion as a 'without fear or favour' writer before accepting such derogatory remarks about this particular title.

In three book signings at Bookworld, Teesside, Brian sold 2,500 copies. Now doesn't that say more than words. As they say, words are cheap.

About the Author
Brian Cockerill is in his thirties and is still working as The Taxman, patrolling the streets and keeping them in order. He competes in strong-man competitions and has attempted world records in this arena. He has featured in Charlie Bronson's Solitary Fitness and was the subject of a whole chapter in Street Fighters. This is his first venture into writing.

Customer Reviews

GOOD READING
Cracking view on life in teeside - real life, real feel, real names. Cockerill claims to be the hardest man - nobody seems to challange that fact?
Very interesting raw but effective reading

buy it now

The HARDEST man in Britain
I have read many crime books based on 'so called' hard men, and I have read most of Stephen Richards books. To date I have been unimpressed with the stores of the McLean's, Kray's, Courtney's etc. I was however impressed with the story of Brian Cockerill. Big Bri is a true hard man and I'd like to see anyone challenge him for the title of hardest man in Britain.

As usual Stephen Richards has brought us a real life book that is presented in such a way we can feel part of the experience of Brian. Most other books are written in a way that makes these other hard men 'untouchable'. A definite recomendation.

Brian Cockerill, second only to the late Viv Graham.

Amazing truth
I must say that the Taxman gives a real insight into the way life operates in the North East underworld
Real life drama, nail biting honesty - good read - buy it now