They didn't realize the truth - that, having paid his price to society for previous crimes, Cliff was now on the level.
The previous crime was supposed to have been an assault.
Stool pigeons had brought him news of previous crimes before they happened, but always too late to get to the places in time.
Guns used in previous crimes would be likely to bring more charges if the criminals were caught.
But if jurors in the Smith case learn of the three previous alleged crimes, they will no longer think he is a nice boy.
On the other hand, she claims, yet has no evidence of, a Royal pardon for her previous crime.
She was sentenced on a number of counts including previous crimes.
Both of these men had been convicted of previous crimes.
He cooperates with this, feeling guilty for his previous crimes.
The government pardoned all previous crimes he may have committed.