His criminal career, however, was not quite over and his last brush with it, ironically, involved drugs. In August 1991, Arthur Jr, 31, was shot dead outside the family home while on weekend leave from prison. Honey Boo Boo star Alana Thompson's boyfriend Dralin . The jailing of Fat Boy brought challenges from gangs hoping to take over the Thompson empire. [7], A former enforcer for the Thompson family, Paul Ferris, was arrested, charged with the murder[9] and remanded to HM Prison Barlinnie. Thompson later gave a personal undertaking to a senior police officer that he would not harm the two officers. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Copyright 2023 Farlex, Inc. | Overall, around 100 people died in the violence. Prison chiefs were also under no illusions about the kind of man they were dealing with. When it comes to selling coins, there is a lot to consider and if you aren't too sure about what collectors are after, selling it can be quite tricky. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. They then returned home for a nightcap. He saw little of his father and mother a mixed marriage in the Glasgow sense, father a Catholic, mother a Protestant romping around the area, avoiding school and police, whatever criminal mischief was afoot Wattie was at the heart of it. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the. One police file said: The overall picture of Thompson is that of a violent, 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". Along with rivals Barrio 18, they have ensured that El Salvador is the worlds murder capital. Legend has it that the crime boss later viewed the bodies and shot both men in the chest with another gun. View the profiles of people named Rita. They can be seen laughing and seemingly kissing each other. Facebook gives people the power to. Their desire is to ensure their nation reverts to indigenous African traditions. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? In his summing up Lord McCluskey, the trial judge, described the case an extraordinary catalogue of lies and deceit, cruelty and death. Registered in England and Wales as company number 01056394. 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. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The Thompson Gang was finished at this point, and Arthur died in his bed in 1993. It may be one of the few occasions when the law had got the better of him. According to legend, he introduced himself to the Kray brothers by bursting into a club they frequented with a gun and shouting: Im Arthur Thompson, from Glasgow, remember my name. Whether the story is true or not, he worked as an enforcer for the brothers. Tony Thompson reports, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. It was just a way for the terrified owner to pay protection to Thompson. He accused Paul Ferris, a former enforcer for the gang, of trying to kill him in 1988. 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. It's not known what Thompson's views were when Ferris was cleared of murdering his son. However, he survived an assassination attempt in 1985 and another one in 1988. The goal was to protect Kikuyu farmers in their land disputes with the Maasai and local government forces dominated by the Kalenjin tribe. Arthur Thompson, Rita Thompson.Circa, Glasgow. A few days after the double murder, armed police raided the Ponderosa home looking for evidence but nothing was found. We are doing this to improve the experience forour loyalreaders and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. *** Local Caption *** Scottish gangs. The newest bar in Glasgow's west end is run by the same people behind popular city centre bar Tingle on Mitchell Street. Single Use in context. However, Ferris was found not guilty of all charges in June that year after the longest-running murder trial in Scottish legal history. You can make a complaint by using the report this post link . His own death almost 30 years ago marked the end of an astonishing era in the history of the city's underworld. View the profiles of professionals named "Rita Thompson" on LinkedIn. 3 - The Thompson Gang . Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories. The first bullet grazed his cheek, the second smashed into his ribs, a lung, the third, tore through his gut and pierced his heart. The young cop rose through the ranks to become head of the Strathclyde Police Serious Crime Squad and retired at the rank of Detective Superintendent in 1992. [8][7], Thompson's daughter, Margaret, died from a drug overdose in 1989. "There is a real danger of him putting the screw on some of the locals in Aberdeen.". Extended: Glasgow's crime godfather Arthur Thompson and the murder of his son, The Glasgow crime story of the murder of Jackie Gallagher, The Glasgow crime story of the mysterious murder of wealthy Marion Gilchrist in 1908, The Glasgow Crime Story of Eleni Pachou who was murdered in her work Di Maggio's. Glasgow priest found guilty of abusing four young girls walks free from court. Glasgow veterinary hospital forced to close after fire reopens its doors. But he was able to argue an attempted murder case down to a three-year sentence in Peterhead for assault. contact the editor here. However, Thompson said the pairs reputation would damage the bands career. Arthur survived the bomb attack but his mother-in-law Margaret Johnstone was killed outright. See Rita S Thompson's age, phone number, house address, email address, social media accounts, public records, and check for criminal records on Spokeo. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. They had been shot in the head and the anus. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Rita Thompson, who had throat cancer, died in 2006 at the age of 72. After several escapes from camp he was sentenced to 18 months hard labour for slashing another soldier with shards of glass. He was buried in the family plot at Riddrie Cemetery beside Arthur Jnr and daughter, Margaret, who suffered a drugs overdose in 1989. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. Thompson would also carry out hits for the Krays in London and they would do the same in return in Glasgow. He would have given his last penny to anybody, and he often did., Trouble was it was someone else's money. It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. She received three years in prison for the attack. In later life he even adopted some of the late US mobster's sartorial taste in pinstripes. His death, coupled with the jailing of Paul Ferris on firearms charges in 1999, left a void which has generated a wave of violence. [5] Their bodies had been dumped on the route of Fatboy's funeral procession, so that his hearse passed their dead bodies. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Arthur also enjoyed hobnobbing with celebrities. (617) 265-4336 View Details Rita Thompson View Details Austin 8813 Collingwood Dr, Austin Associated persons: Daniel H Thompson, Gregory M Thompson, Richard H Thompson, Rita m Thompson (512) 292-0911 View Details Rita I Thompson, age 70 View Details 2747 Hering Ave Address review: Water SystemNO WATER (WNW) Completed College In 1969 Thompson's wife, Rita, forced her way into the Welsh home, stabbed Patrick Welsh's wife in the chest, and was jailed for three years. Old Arthur testified against Ferris thus breaking the gangster code of silence. Thompson is survived by Tracey Thompson, his last remaining child. 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. Glasgow mum and daughter duo launch interiors shop in heart of Shawlands. He then walked the few yards from one court to another to give evidence in the Welshes murder trial. Even when his own son was murdered outside his own front door, he ordered his family not to give them statements. [9] He was acquitted of all charges. As his power and wealth grew, so did his influence. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. How Rita Ora and Dua Lipa have mirrored each other over . In June, it began a reign of terror against matatu drivers and conductors while also targeting people who defected from the gang. The incident was part of a long feud between the two clans. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can The myth has him dedicating himself to a life of crime after watching the movie Dillinger in a local fleapit. Editors' Code of Practice. Mirrorpix / GIW Photos. A Gannett Company. He added: "Thompson is the leader of the hardcore of thugs in Aberdeen prison. Kenyans who live in the slums carrying the body of a suspected Mungiki member. Bankrobber, that was the song, and that was old Wattie's business. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Lanterns lit after tragic death of Lanarkshire girl, 5, seen from plane by her grief-stricken family. Norval's trial has a fiery hanselling. [5], Thompson also survived two further attempts on his life; he was shot in the groin outside his home "The Ponderosa" in Provanmill, named after a ranch in the Western television series Bonanza in 1985. Rangers vs Kilmarnock starting team news as Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin in but no Malik Tillman. Uncover Rita's photos, videos, and more . In 1988 Arthur was shot in the groin outside The Ponderosa. contact the editor here. Ferris, then 28, was found not guilty in June 1992 at the High Court in Glasgow after the longest-running murder trial in Scottish legal history. If you're in need of a Friday funny, this typo blunder spotted at TJ Hughes in Glasgow could be just the thing to cheer you up. So if you think you have a rare coin, here is what you need to know before selling. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. 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. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Two weeks later Joe learned of Thompsons plans to blow up both his and Johns homes in Glasgow. He even threatened to bomb the homes of two off-duty police officers after they saw him kill two men in Royston Road, Glasgow, in May that year. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can A few days after the double murder, armed police raided his Ponderosa home looking for evidence but nothing was found. READ MORE:The Glasgow Crime Story of Eleni Pachou who was murdered in her work Di Maggio's. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. His death was to prove the beginning of the end for the Thompson family fiefdom. Veteran crime reporter Ron McKay tells the story of Walter Norval, the former boss of Glasgow's infamous XYY Gang. Thompson lived with his family in Provanmill Road in Provanmill, Glasgow, in a garishly converted council house nicknamed The Ponderosa, after the 1960s cowboy TV series Bonanza. Both men died, but Arthur escaped prosecution because no witness would testify against him. The London Euston to Glasgow train was forced to come to an emergency stop; . You can make a complaint by using the report this post link . Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . HP10 9TY. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? Comments have been closed on this article. It was at this point he even joked about speaking with cotton wool in his mouth. Rita Thompson - who left an estimated pounds 2million - told pals she wanted her will to pay for a gangland hit on former mobster Ferris, who was cleared of murdering her son Arthur jnr in 1992. rita thompson glasgow. She had lived in the same house in Provanmill since Mr Thompson died of a heart attack in 1993. AROUND a hundred mourners yesterday attended the funeral of gangster's wife Rita Thompson. Another measure of his influence came after his son Arthur Thompson Jr was jailed for 11 years in 1985 for drug dealing. Population Served Men who have experienced chronic homelessness The Peddie School community mourns the death of Leonore Annenberg, wife of our esteemed alumnus, the late Walter Annenberg '27. Today, the Mungikis membership is approximately 500,000, and it is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the worlds deadliest gangs. It was now all about drugs and there Wattie drew the line. Urgent reappeal to find missing Glasgow man as disappearance 'very out of character'. Another underworld figure vying for control is a 65-year-old Scot, Billy Blackledge, who has been on the run from the FBI for 10 years for his involvement in a 10 million drugs deal involving Hell's Angels from Canada. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. As we release the first episode of our Glasgow Crime Stories podcast, read the extended version of telling the story of infamous crime godfather Arthur Thompson and the murder of his son. Initially, the group was in favor of female circumcision and later adopted rituals such as wearing dreadlocks and swearing oaths like the Mau Mau rebels who fought against Britain in the 1960s. Death of another youth triggers protests in Kashmir. In the past, the journalists job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. . Rita, stabbed the wife of Patrick Welsh in the chest. She had lived in the same house in Provanmill since Mr. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/MOB+WIFE+FUNERAL.-a0146927061. 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. Commuters will have the chance to grab some pre-loved fashion bargains later this month, with the money raised helping Shelter Scotland amidst the housing emergency. The young Detective Constable got out his own car and ran to a nearby petrol station to phone the emergency services, where he also found Thompson who then sped off. The lack of a dominant godfather figure means rival factions are fighting to fill the power vacuum, and police fear the violence may escalate further. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union has urged members to accept the offer. 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. *** Local Caption *** Scottish gangs This photo license is intended for editorial use only. He is known to have blown up a pub and social club after one owner refused to comply. Many of the immigrants that arrived in the United States during the 1980s were used to violence as El Salvador is one of the worlds most dangerous places to live. It was rumoured to be fitted out with secret passages, hiding spots, and its own underground tunnel. Counts may not reflect the number of records that will appear in search results. [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". But that was all in the past for Ferris as he savoured his dramatic acquittal on the High Court steps before a cheering crowd. Thompson received a not proven verdict, despite the eyewitness accounts of Joe and his brother. Also known as MS-13, Mara Salvatrucha is arguably the most dangerous gang in the United States at present and they are apparently the gang that the FBI is most worried about. His own death almost 30 years ago marked the end of an astonishing era in the history of the city's underworld. 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. With Fatboy in prison, Old Arthur had to return before his rivals picked his empire apart. As a result the takeover never took place. Norval went down for 14 years. Rita Thompson is on Facebook. He recognised them immediately as they and Ferris were regulars. 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. HP10 9TY. However, Rita never sang a note. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. John and Elizabeth Brooks Published on18/06/2021. It was started in California when large groups of people from El Salvador fled the country during its civil war. Others probably organised the double execution as a favour to him and out of respect. It was just a way for the terrified owner to pay protection to Thompson. His other son, Billy died in 2017 as a result of his drug addiction. Arthur survived thebomb attack but his mother-in-lawMargaret Johnstone was killed outright. Nine months later Thompson died in his bed from a heart attack. All rights reserved. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. It was the end of an astonishing era. 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. The presence or absence of records for any individual is not a guarantee of any kind. On both occasions, he told police that he feared for his life. Like any other inmate, he regularly applied for parole and the previously secret documents reflected the view of the authorities had of him at the time. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. photos. His bullet-ridden body was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary but he died a few hours later. As well as terrorizing people in the United States, MS-13 still has a heavy presence in El Salvador. Brothers Martin, George and Henry Welsh, 24, were charged with murdering Margaret and attempting to kill Arthur in the revenge attack. contact the editor here. He was also cleared of attempting to murder Arthur Thompson Snr by repeatedly driving a car at him and threatening to murder another man William Gillen by shooting him in the leg. The Godfather was reportedly able to use his prison contacts to have steaks, alcohol and chocolate delivered to him each day in his cell. There was understandable media speculation that Ferris now had a price on his head. Three months later, Thompson narrowly escaped death when he was in a car that exploded outside his house. The iconic firm was formed back in 1965. This 936 square foot home is the last known address for Rita. 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. And in a summation which might bring a tear to the glassiest eye she said, Dad wasnt motivated by money. On the eve of it the north court of the High Court in Glasgow is set on fire by Norval's mob in attempt to burn all the files on the case they believe are held in the vaults. HP10 9TY. The 37-year-old was found seriously injured on his doorstep on Tuesday. Thompson survived - just - and two men have since appeared in court in connection with the attack, which police are treating as attempted murder. . By the 1980s, Glasgow was in the midst of a heroin epidemic as the drug flooded into the city in a market worth up to 30 million. Search for birth, death, marriage, divorce, US Census, and military records. Comments have been closed on this article. While Arthur liked to make money and stay out of the limelight, Fatboy loved being known as a major player in Glasgow and reveled in showing off his wealth. Copyright 2018 Global Image Works, LLC. After a few years of relatively low-key activity, the gang escalated its violent activity in 2007. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Results for Rita have been distilled from over 6 billion consumer records found online and offline. 'No one is going to say anything about him or the rest of the family.'. There are rumors that the gang split up into two groups in 2007 and its leading members were killed in that year; possibly by government forces although it denies responsibility. In 1969 Thompson's wife, Rita, forced her way into the Welsh home, stabbed Patrick Welsh's wife in the chest, and was jailed for three years. Head of crime clan Arthur Thompson His father ruled Glasgow's crime scene and was rumoured to have raked in 100,000 a week from protection rackets. This photo license is intended for editorial use only. Again, Arthur survived and refused to make any statement to the police. 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. Tributes have been paid to Rita Rusk, once dubbed Scotland's first lady of hairdressing, after her death at the age of 75. THE widow of Arthur Thompson, the former Glasgow godfather, has died. Billy Thompson has now been taken off the critical list and looks set to make a full recovery. He was a very violent, ruthless, clever criminal and a real nasty piece of work. No one man had dominated organised crime in the city quite like Arthur Thompson and no one man ever would. 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. Arthur was also involved in legitimate enterprises such as pubs, demolition, corner shops, garages, and carpet showrooms to keep his assets hidden and launder money from his various criminal enterprises. Failure to pay him what you owed resulted in a painful punishment. Police are probing his links with a big dogfighting ring. Jurors also come under attack and are provided with police bodyguards for the duration. On the morning of young Arthur's funeral, a month after his murder, their bodies were discovered outside the Cottage Bar, in Shettleston, Glasgow. Gillian Rooney was evicted from her Bellshill flat in February 2020 and claims the council threw away her belongings which included irreplaceable scan pictures of her late babies. His father and younger brother Billy alerted by the shots found him dying on the pavement. Three years later, Ferris was accused of the murder of the Fatboy who was shot three times outside of his home. His rivals tried and failed to eliminate him in 1966 when a bomb exploded under his car. Body of missing man Matthew Cosgrove discovered by police in Lanarkshire. But nowadays, the people who call themselves gangsters don't do any hard work themselves. The world's leading specialists in the distribution of art, cultural and historical images and footage for reproduction. READ MORE:The Glasgow crime story of the mysterious murder of wealthy Marion Gilchrist in 1908. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Rita M. Glasgow of Galena, Illinois, who passed away on February 22, 2023, leaving to mourn family and friends. Menu Log In Sign Up A Young Arthur Thompson. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. Rita M. Glasgow Obituary. In 1969, Arthurs wife, Rita, stabbed the wife of Patrick Welsh in the chest. Ferris trial was the longest and most expensive in Scottish history up to that point, but he was acquitted. Born in September 1931 in the industrial area of Springburn, Glasgow he was destined for a life of crime. Gang members are prone to psychotically violent behavior. There was to be further drama that day as there was also a bomb scare at the cemetery where Thompson Jr was due to be buried. The acclaimed stylist, from Castlemilk, Glasgow, won multiple awards. 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. THE widow of Arthur Thompson, the former Glasgow godfather, has died. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. For webmasters |, COPYRIGHT 2006 Scottish Daily Record & Sunday. [8] Billy had recently served a prison sentence for possessing a harpoon gun. Join Facebook to connect with Rita Thompson and others you may know. Glasgow crime stories: Arthur Thompson who ruled the city's underworld for more than 30 years. They just pay someone a couple of grand to go and hurt people for them.. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please Rita Ora's Best Looks. The judges in all four cases have to be constantly guarded by armed police. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM, on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at St. Michaels Catholic Church, Galena where friends may gather after 10:30 AM until the time of mass. Although he has been dead for nearly eight years, the name of Arthur Thompson still induces instant amnesia or muteness in Provanmill residents. Michael Beale will be looking for an immediate reaction from his side after suffering a first defeat in charge of the Light Blues in the League Cup Final defeat to Celtic. Man charged in connection with death of Neil Canney in Greenock. One retired publican said: To stop trouble all the landlord or bar manager in one of those pubs needed to say was, This is Arthur Thompsons place.. Underworld sources say there is a battle to control Glasgow's 300 million drug market which has spawned a wave of attacks and murders in the city. Rita M. Glasgow. His team, the Barlanark Gang, initially continued paying him a cut, but the two sides quickly fell out as the Gang found new paymasters. At the tender age of nineteen, he had become the crime bosss feared enforcer, collecting debts on his behalf. Arthur Thompson, known as the Godfather in the city, formed the gang and began his career as a money lender in a council estate. 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. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com. Both men were bitter rivals of Thompson. The term Mungiki means multitude or united people in the Kikuyu language. Drag your file here or click Browse below. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. We are lucky at The Herald. He died in March 2017, so at the time of writing, Tracey Thompson is Arthurs only remaining child. [14], Thompson is survived by Tracey Thompson, his last remaining child. Fraser, now dead, once recalled: Down south, we viewed Glasgow as the Wild West. At one time, he had at least 20 pubs in Glasgow paying him 4000 each week. Let's take a critical look at the truth about Walter Norval, rather than the sepia-tinted mythology. Previously, Rita was a Perioperative Nursing Development Professional & Specialist at Huntington Hospital and also held positions at St. Mary's Medical Center, St. Mary's Medical Center, Desert Cities Dialysis As always you can unsubscribe at any time. However, Rita never sang a note. 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. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself. Kathy Friend, 60, lost her battle with secondary liver and bone cancer on February 19 but she is remembered for touching the lives of many with her amazing community projects. Thompson signed into a private clinic in the West End of Glasgow and told police the injury was caused by a broken drill bit. You can make a complaint by using the report this post link . The gangster was always the same dealing with the police. Although Thompson wasnt a tall man, he was powerfully built with a chilling stare that could terrify both friend and foe alike. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. At the time his parents lived in Provanmill Road, Blackhill, in a garishly converted former council house nicknamed The Ponderosa, after the 1960s cowboy TV series Bonanza. We found 1021 people named Rita S Thompson. If located in the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Eire, kindly contact Mirrorpix directly at desk@mirrorpix.com. One theory is that McPhee had tried to muscle in on the drug trade controlled by former Irish terrorists. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. The grim find was made by the pubs manager who was passing at the time on his way to open up.