When a young, adventurous larrikin, Kevin John Simmonds, teams up with his keen new partner in crime, Leslie Alan Newcombe, the daring duo become targets of the largest police search in Australian history after a failed robbery ends in murder.

SYNOPSIS:

The story begins in 1959 inside a Sydney courthouse holding cell. Kevin Simmonds, 24, exudes confidence despite his dire situation. Dressed sharply in a suit, he stands alongside Les Newcombe, 21, as they await their verdict. The courtroom erupts when they are found guilty of murder after the Judge overturns the Jury’s manslaughter verdict and sentences them to life in penal servitude. Detective Ray Kelly watches with a sense of accomplishment, knowing he has finally captured two of Sydney’s most notorious criminals. However, reporter Betty Brown senses there’s more to their story - especially Kevin’s.

Kevin's mind drifts back to his past as the prisoners are transported to the notoriously brutal Grafton Goal. He recalls his childhood, growing up in the small country town of Griffith, NSW, under the harsh discipline of his father during the bleak depression years of the 1930s when, at only three years of age, he witnessed the tragic drowning of his 18-month-old sister. This traumatic event haunts Kevin throughout his life.

Kevin sparks on a campaign of small-time robberies, gaining experience along the way, which leads him onto bigger jobs, including a high-stakes bank robbery with a reckless partner, Frank. However, the job goes sideways when Frank panics and threatens a child inside the bank. Kevin, who has always had a code of conduct - even in crime - loses control, striking Frank down. The robbery ends in chaos, and Kevin barely escapes as police flood the streets. This moment marks a turning point - Kevin is no longer just a clever thief; he’s now a fugitive, public enemy number one.

Kevin’s luck finally runs out when he is captured and sent to Long Bay Jail for fifteen years. It’s here he meets up with Les Newcombe a small-time criminal who craves a normal family life by turning a quick buck. The two strike up an unbreakable bond, and eager to get out, they enlist the help of a humble Aboriginal prisoner who devises a plan for Kevin and Les.

On 9th October 1959, the cold prison alarm bells ring out, and their daring midday breakout triggers a nationwide manhunt led by Ray Kelly and 500 Police Officers that lasts for thirty-seven days, but their worst fears are realised when Kevin unintentionally kills a guard.

Kevin’s luck finally runs out when he is captured, and his once-daring exploits come to an end. But his troubles are far from over. Sentenced to Grafton Goal, he endures six years of relentless beatings and psychological torment. The once charismatic fitness fanatic outlaw is now just a shadow of his former self. His death, alleged to be a suicide by hanging, remains controversial, sparking questions about the true nature of his situation fate.

His death leads his sister, Ms. Jan Simmonds to author the book, “For Simmo,” which brings about a State Royal Commission into the savage treatment of prisoners. Kevin’s incarceration is noted as one of the worst atrocities in New South Wales penal history.

FINAL BLOW