Who is Spicer from Brighton Rock and what is their importance?

Spicer is the oldest member of Pinkie's gang. He is haunted by the murder of Fred Hale, and this leads him to develop an ulcer and a corn on his foot. Pinkie recognizes this and decides that Spicer has to die. He tells Spicer to take a vacation out of town, and Spicer decides he will move up to Nottingham and join his mate in running a pub. The day he is supposed to leave, Spicer joins Pinkie at the racetrack. Pinkie has arranges an ambush with Colleoni's men. Spicer survives the onslaught, however, and returns to the gang's boarding house. When Pinkie discovers him there, he throws Spicer down the stairs, killing him.