74 members of the sect were arrested. In May, veteran gangland boss Frank McPhee was shot through the head on his doorstep, as his 11-year-old son looked on in terror. Glasgow's original Godfather: Walter Norval. His closing years were plagued by two bouts of cancer, first of the bowel and then the lung. Menu Log In Sign Up This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments. A few hours before Fat Boy's funeral, the bodies of local hardmen Bobby Glover and Joe 'Bananas' Hanlon, widely thought to be responsible for Fat Boy's death, were found outside a bar in east Glasgow. Arthur survived, but his mother-in-law was killed. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. He was friendly with another legendary London gangster too Mad Frankie Fraser. It later transpired that they would have been better off inside prison. By the Eighties, the Thompson clan had moved into. View Rita Thomson results including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. Old Arthur testified against Ferris thus breaking the gangster code of silence. HP10 9TY. Find local and national death notices, funeral notices, obituaries, in memoriams, and acknowledgements at funeral-notices.co.uk, plus a directory of over 3,000 UK Funeral Directors This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's BROOKS John to Elizabeth (McInally) on 19th June 1971, in the parish of the Immaculate Heart of. Around 10pm, on August 17, Arthur left his parents house to walk the short distance to his own home where he lived with his wife and young daughter. He was a very violent, ruthless, clever criminal and a real nasty piece of work. Single Use in context. Fort Fairfield - Rita Jean Thompson, 78, wife of the late Berkley A. Thompson, passed away Thursday evening, February 9, 2023, at Madigan Estates, Houlton, following an extended illness. Family and friends gathered in Motherwell to pay their respects to little Isabella Grace Docherty and lit lanterns for the five-year-old who died hours after complaining of feeling sick. His other son, Billy died in 2017 as a result of his drug addiction. Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . It was started in California when large groups of people from El Salvador fled the country during its civil war. The driver also failed a roadside drug wipe for cannabis. ', Tell-tale sign a coin is rare as expert urges Glaswegians to check change. Thank you to whichever member of staff was responsible! In October 2016, the gang is believed to have murdered up to 6 people in the Brentwood area of New York including two teenage girls. At eight he was nicking potatoes from shops and coal briquettes (blocks of compacted coal dust for younger readers) from coal lorries, which he then sold on. It was the end of an astonishing era. Norval's trial has a fiery hanselling. In August 1991, Arthur Jr, 31, was shot dead outside the family home while on weekend leave from prison. Disclaimer: Reference to these media outlets or TV shows should not be construed to imply an endorsement or sponsorship of Spokeo or its products. Other papers record Thompson trying to stir up a hunger strike and pressing inmates to petition for better privileges and visiting rights. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Dumbarton police stop 'dangerous' vehicle on A82 as driver fails cannabis test. In 1966, he narrowly escaped death when a bomb exploded under his car; his mother-in-law, in the passenger seat, was killed. The violence was on a much, much higher level. In 1970 the then governor of Craiginches prison in Aberdeen describe Thompson as a thug of the worst kind who along with another inmate was running warring factions inside and outside of prison. And in a summation which might bring a tear to the glassiest eye she said, Dad wasnt motivated by money. Glasgow shop sign blunder warns customers against 'consummation of food and drink'. Both men were bitter rivals of Thompson. Thompson was supported loyally in his criminal enterprises by his wife the diminutive Rita who bore him four children. Glasgow priest found guilty of abusing four young girls walks free from court. As his power and wealth grew, so did his influence. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union has urged members to accept the offer. Thompson himself had been known for punishing enemies or bad debtors by nailing their hands and feet to the floor crucifixion-style. Get the latest crime news direct to your inbox with the Glasgow Crime and Courts newsletter. Join Facebook to connect with Rita and others you may know. [4], On 18 August 1991 Thompson's son Arthur Jr (nicknamed "Fatboy") died after being shot three times[7] outside the family home,[8] "The Ponderosa". Comments have been closed on this article. Born in September 1931[1] in the industrial area of Springburn, Glasgow,[2] Arthur Thompson began his career as a money lender, and was said to crucify those who did not repay their debts, by nailing them to floors or doors. His other son, Billy died in 2017 as a result of his drug addiction. Along with rivals Barrio 18, they have ensured that El Salvador is the worlds murder capital. Supports are provided on site 24/7 including case workers from JHS and medical services provided by Ottawa Inner City Health (OICH) - a non-profit organization that provides health care to homeless and street involved people. Rita's husband, William Gunn, the biker, isn't so lucky, getting five years in jail for threatening. Brothers Martin, George and Henry Welsh, 24, were charged with murdering Margaret and attempting to kill Arthur in the revenge attack. When they arrived in Los Angeles, they encountered an established system of Latin gangs and were not welcome. HE was Glasgows equivalent of Don Corleone, the fictional New York crime godfather immortalised in his portrayal by Marlon Brando. Thompson in turn was accused of the culpable homicide of Goldie and Welsh. Copyright 2023 Farlex, Inc. | On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Kenyans who live in the slums carrying the body of a suspected Mungiki member. The gangster was always the same dealing with the police. Population Served Men who have experienced chronic homelessness He drove his car directly at their van and forced it off the road. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com. In his 2009 autobiography, legendary Scottish football commentator Archie MacPherson revealed he was paid up to 500 a time in the early 1980s to host events organised by Thompson. The 64-year-old woman was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital following the crash on Elmbank Street last month. He forced their van off the road by driving his own car directly at it the van hit a lamp post and both men were killed. We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments. On the day of his funeral a month later, the bodies of Joe Hanlon and Bobby Glover were discovered outside the Cottage Bar, a pub they used in Shettleston, Glasgow. By 1966, Arthur Thompson was all-powerful in Glasgow. This luxury fortress was known as 'The Ponderosa'. As a result the takeover never took place. No one man had dominated organised crime in the city quite like Arthur Thompson and no one man ever would. Legend has it that the crime boss later viewed the bodies and shot both men in the chest with another gun. The gangster was always the same dealing with the police. You can make a complaint by using the report this post link . It's now, as leader of what becomes known as the XYY Gang, that Norval becomes notorious. Arthur Jnr had enjoyed a celebratory dinner with his father and other family members at the popular Cafe India restaurant in Glasgows Charing Cross. Bear in mind that the population of El Salvador is approximately 6.12 million. In the photos, the three can be seen relaxing and having drinks on a balcony in Sydney after "an all-night party," the Daily Mail reported. Terms of use | Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. Nadiya Tkachenko compitiendo en la prueba de lanzamiento de peso en el pentatln olmpico de 1980, donde gan la medalla de oro. He was friendly with another legendary London gangster too Mad Frankie Fraser. He died in March 2017, so at the time of writing, Tracey Thompson is Arthurs only remaining child. Arthur Thompson, Rita Thompson.Circa, Glasgow. Three years later, a car mounted the pavement outside his home and ran him over. But that was all in the past for Ferris as he savoured his dramatic acquittal on the High Court steps before a cheering crowd. Zoe Hagman and her daughter Ariana Catalano have opened Arredo on Shawlands' Kilmarnock Road to bring some flair to the street and also to the homes of local shoppers. It was just a way for the terrified owner to pay protection to Thompson. Uncover Rita's photos, videos, and more . After several escapes from camp he was sentenced to 18 months hard labour for slashing another soldier with shards of glass. Disaster struck in 1985 when Fat Boy was jailed for 11 years when he fell victim to a huge heroin bust. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. In August 2014 he died from pneumonia aged 85, cuing the high-profile exit at Maryhill Crematorium with musical accompaniment by the Clash. In the early 1960s, Thompson became close allies of notorious London gangsters The Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie so much so, they are reputed to have come up to Glasgow to seek his advice on a plan to take over The Beatles from their manager Brian Epstein. [5], His other son, Billy, was stabbed and seriously wounded 400 yards (350 metres) from the family home[8] in 2000, but survived. In the 1960s, his wife Rita was employed as a singer, with one pub paying a fee of 200 for each performance the equivalent of 4000 in todays money. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? In the United States, MS-13 is making its deadly mark. As the school's most distinguished benefactors . [5] Their bodies had been dumped on the route of Fatboy's funeral procession, so that his hearse passed their dead bodies. 'No one is going to say anything about him or the rest of the family.'. The incident was part of a long feud between the two clans. Facebook gives people the power to. His daughter Rita, who had married one of the Blue Angels bikers (like Hell's Angels, only dirtier! Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. Once, when giving evidence at the High Court in Glasgow he even joked about speaking with cotton wool in his mouth a technique Brando used in the iconic movie to sound like an Italian mobster. Fraser, now dead, once recalled: Down south, we viewed Glasgow as the Wild West. Its rumoured Thompson was present when Ronnie infamously shot George Cornell of the rival Richardson gang in Londons Blind Beggar pub in 1966. Joe Jackson was with his older brother John when they saw Thompson, in his top-of-the-range Jaguar, force a van into a lamp post, killing the occupants, James Goldie and Patrick Welsh. In time-honoured tradition, Thompson failed to speak out against the brothers and they were cleared of all charges. Registered in England and Wales as company number 01056394. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. There were 6,656 official murders in the nation in 2015 and in 2016; there was a homicide every hour in the first few months of the year. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Thompson suspected both men of being involved in his sons murder and is said to have paid a hitman 20,000 to execute them. Pentatln femenino. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to For webmasters |, COPYRIGHT 2006 Scottish Daily Record & Sunday. The group has a total disdain for the modernization of their country and completely reject Western influences. Ferris trial was the longest and most expensive in Scottish history up to that point, but he was acquitted. Arthur Thompson, Rita Thompson.Circa, Glasgow Image ID: MX116351 Glasgow gangster Arthur Thompson, known as The Godfather, pictured with his wife Rita Thompson.Circa 1970. Scores of large ones involving hundreds of foot soldiers, secret weapons arsenals and explosives in safe houses across Glasgow, and over three years in the mid-70s they mob carried out dozens of armed robberies, usually of payrolls, often from hospitals and major works, but also from post offices across the country. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to However, he survived an assassination attempt in 1985 and another one in 1988. Glasgows criminal underbelly was laid bare during three months of evidence and its hard-won City of Culture status took a battering. [5] In 1969, Thompson's wife Rita forced her way into the Welsh home and stabbed Patrick Welsh's widow in the chest; she was jailed for three years. However, Rita never sang a note. Once, when giving evidence at the High Court in Glasgow, Arthur Thompson even joked about speaking with cotton wool in his mouth a technique Brando used to sound like a mob boss. Arthur Thompson was one of 300 people called to give evidence. There was a massive turnout for young Arthurs funeral that afternoon with key members of the citys underworld there to pay their respects to both the victim and more importantly his father. The eyewitnesses who did not speak up at the trial were not bad people, they were just terrified of Thompson and what he might do to them.. Legend has it that the crime boss later viewed the bodies and shot both men in the chest with another gun. They then returned home for a nightcap. Single Use in context. View property details and household demographic information related to income, investments, and interests. Brian Lundie, 41, is missing from the Baillieston area of Glasgow with officers issuing an urgent reappeal to find him, saying his disappearance is "very much out of character". She revealed her dying wish when she was told she was losing her battle with throat cancer, according to a former henchman of her late husband. He has since been jailed for involvement in a firearms conspiracy. He gave evidence against the man accused of his sons murder, Paul Ferris, in 1992 at the High Court in Glasgow. They were heavily involved in the violence in the ethnic Luos area which claimed the lives of several hundred people. They don't succeed and the trial eventually goes ahead in the south court. He booked himself into a private clinic and told the police the injury had been caused by a drill bit which broke off. THE MOB'S REVENGE; 50TH BRITISH SOLDIER TO DIE SERVING IN IRAQ Troops ambushed after Islamic chief's arrest. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. Teacher strikes suspended as union backs new Scottish Government pay offer. heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment. The young Detective Constable got out of his own car and ran to a nearby petrol station to phone the emergency services, where he also found Thompson who then sped off. Shortly afterwards, he spotted two men he suspected of the attack, Patrick Welsh and James Goldie, members of the rival Welsh family Blackhill gang. He was jailed three years ago for carrying a knife and, a week after his release, was jailed again for carrying a harpoon gun. The following year, the Mungiki fought against Kenyan police and two officers died. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself. Ironically Ferriss incarceration by the authorities saved his life. Others probably organised the double execution as a favour to him and out of respect. Editors' Code of Practice. Arthur survived the bomb attack but his mother-in-law Margaret Johnstone was killed outright. Rita Thompson, who had throat cancer, died in 2006 at the age of 72. View the profiles of people named Rita. The goal was to protect Kikuyu farmers in their land disputes with the Maasai and local government forces dominated by the Kalenjin tribe. However, Ferris was found not guilty of all charges in June that year after the longest-running murder trial in Scottish legal history. In spite of this, he is scalded with boiling water. Discover work experience, company details, and more. THE widow of Arthur Thompson, the former Glasgow godfather, has died. While America is often deemed to have a high homicide rate compared to other Western nations, it pales in comparison to El Salvador where the murder rate is 22 times higher. He started young around the Garscube Road. In August 1991, Arthur Jnr, 31, was shot dead outside the Thompson family home while on weekend leave from prison. Norval's daughter, Rita Gunn, is charged with conspiring to damage the court but acquitted. HP10 9TY. Drag your file here or click Browse below. Two years later Fat Boy was gunned down outside The Ponderosa just six hours after coming home from prison on weekend leave. All rights reserved. For more than 30 years until his death in 1993 Arthur Thompson ruled Glasgows criminal underworld with an iron fist through his interests in extortion, money lending, illegal casinos, robbery, and drugs. For more than 30 years until his death in 1993 Thompson ruled Glasgows criminal underworld with an iron fist through his interests in extortion, money lending, illegal casinos, robbery, and drugs. One police file said: The overall picture of Thompson is that of aviolent, vicious and active criminal who will stop at nothing to uphold his position in the underworld as a hard man and to gain his own ends.. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. Brothers Martin, George and Henry Welsh, 24, were charged with murdering Margaret and attempting to kill Arthur in the revenge attack. In 1988, Thompson had another lucky escape when he was shot in the groin in a demolition yard he owned in the East End of Glasgow. The name sticks because in 1977 its members are involved in four different trials and to avoid cross-contamination the principals are given anonymous idents, Mr X, Mr Y, and so on. He was killed by a single shot from a high-powered .22 rifle. The wife of late Glasgow godfather Arthur Thompson, died last week aged 72 after a battle with throat cancer. They could. Gang members are prone to psychotically violent behavior. This photo license is intended for editorial use only. Whoever did that was taking a big chance as Hanlon's Ford Orion was well known to the police and was regularly stopped. READ MORE:The Glasgow crime story of the mysterious murder of wealthy Marion Gilchrist in 1908. Joe Jackson was with his older brother John when they saw Thompson, in his top-of-the-range Jaguar, force a van into a lamppost, killing the occupants, James Goldie and Patrick Welsh. In 1963, in what became known as The War of Norval's Ear, he lost a piece of it when it was bitten off in a backstreet brawl by another toerag named Big Mick Gibson. In 1989, Arthur's daughter, Margaret, died of a drugs overdose. "He will inevitably return to his lucrative club management and his position as a leader of the Glasgow criminal fraternity. It was rumoured to be fitted out with secret passages, hiding spots, and its own underground tunnel. She received three years in prison for the attack. Friendly with the likes of 'Mad' Frankie Fraser and Billy Hill, he was a leading underworld figure north of the border. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one.