Obituaries & obituary notices in Glasgow. As a consequence, many of the young men that arrived gravitated towards violence. By the Eighties, the Thompson clan had moved into. As a result, they were given a police guard and their families moved to safety. 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. McPherson wrote: It was straight out of a Guy Ritchie movie and was full of cockney hardmen. Thompson received a not proven verdict, despite the eyewitness accounts of Joe and his brother. So the person in charge would have to have been something very special, and Arthur was certainly that.. He then walked the few yards from one court to another to give evidence in the Welshes murder trial. Three months later, Thompson narrowly escaped death when he was in a car that exploded outside his house. 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. However, Rita never sang a note. For all advertising and other non-editorial uses contact the GIW office for further information. London, W2 4PH Terms of use | It was just a way for the terrified owner to pay protection to Thompson. Arthur survived, but his mother-in-law was killed. We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. He then walked the few yards from one court to another to give evidence in the Welshes murder trial. Man charged in connection with death of Neil Canney in Greenock. Registered in England and Wales as company number 01056394. 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. Fairbairn was a ferocious right-winger who had married into the Scottish aristocracy, later became Solicitor-General appointed by Margaret Thatcher and died of cirrhosis of the liver. Join Facebook to connect with Rita Thompson and others you may know. Glasgow shop owner 'in tears' after store weeks away from opening hit by devastating blaze. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Their desire is to ensure their nation reverts to indigenous African traditions. Kenyas security forces had to act and stormed into the Mathare region. Readers comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. Please note that only low-res files should be uploaded. Both had been dumped in the well of Hanlon's Ford Orion car parked in Darleith Street a few yards from it's entrance. 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. On one occasion, the then BBC broadcaster accompanied Thompson to an underworld pub in London. After a few years of relatively low-key activity, the gang escalated its violent activity in 2007. New Glasgow west end venue The Wendy Bar opens its doors on Byres Road. Beatings and slashings were routinely inflicted on anyone who failed to pay up. In 2000, Billy was stabbed close to the family home and survived. 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. Single Use in context. As well as terrorizing people in the United States, MS-13 still has a heavy presence in El Salvador. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Rita Thompson, who had throat cancer, died in 2006 at the age of 72. 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. Shelter Scotland launch Glasgow Central Station pop up clothes shops. A few days after the double murder, armed police raided the Ponderosa home looking for evidence but nothing was found. [5] His other son, Billy, was stabbed and seriously wounded 400 yards (350 metres) from the family home [8] in 2000, but survived. We identified 2 records related to "Rita Thompson" in the state of Kentucky. Whoever did that was taking a big chance as Hanlon's Ford Orion was well known to the police and was regularly stopped. Tributes have been paid to Rita Rusk, once dubbed Scotland's first lady of hairdressing, after her death at the age of 75. Find census, military, and other historical records.*. 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. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The gang clashed with the owners of matatus (privately owned minibusses) and approximately 50 people died in the violence. [5] Their bodies had been dumped on the route of Fatboy's funeral procession, so that his hearse passed their dead bodies. The iconic firm was formed back in 1965. 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. Norval's trial has a fiery hanselling. 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. Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. For McPhee, the end was always going to come like this.' 17-19 Garway Road This photo license is intended for editorial use only. 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. Results will return exact matches only.Any images with overlay of text may not produce accurate results.Details of larger images will search for their corresponding detail. It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse. The grim find was made by the pubs manager who was passing at the time on his way to open up. READ MORE:The Glasgow Crime Story of Eleni Pachou who was murdered in her work Di Maggio's. Arthur Thompson Snr died of a heart attack in 1993. Privacy policy | Brothers Martin, George and Henry Welsh, 24, were charged with murdering Margaret and attempting to kill Arthur in the revenge attack. They continue to terrorize Kenyans, and it has been suggested that they might be the worlds largest gang regarding membership. Even when his own son was murdered outside his own front door, he ordered his family not to give them statements. 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. He was seen as the rising star of the Glasgow underworld and a man who could take over from Arthur Snr. The newest bar in Glasgow's west end is run by the same people behind popular city centre bar Tingle on Mitchell Street. On one occasion, the then BBC broadcaster accompanied Thompson to an underworld pub in London. He was killed by a single shot from a high-powered .22 rifle. All planned teacher strikes have been suspended after a new pay offer was presented by the Scottish Government. 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. Powerful social search locates profiles on social networks, dating sites, online shopping, web forums, music platforms, etc. 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. His team, the Barlanark Gang, initially continued paying him a cut, but the two sides quickly fell out as the Gang found new paymasters. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. It was started in California when large groups of people from El Salvador fled the country during its civil war. When they arrived in Los Angeles, they encountered an established system of Latin gangs and were not welcome. Rita Thompson is on Facebook. Rita's husband, William Gunn, the biker, isn't so lucky, getting five years in jail for threatening. photos. The violence was on a much, much higher level. Norval went down for 14 years. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes. "His depravity is veneered with conformity and deadly quietness, and he is difficult to undermine when he is on the alert. He died in his father's arms. The subsequent police investigation centred on his former protege Paul Ferris and two friends and associates Joe Hanlon, who was nicknamed `Joe Bananas, and Bobby Glover. Copyright 2023 Bridgeman Art Library Limited. One of its founders claims that the Mungiki began as a local militia in the 1980s. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself. When he came out his era had passed. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. 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. Although he was aging, Old Arthur was still seen as a threat, so his enemies wanted to remove him from the picture permanently. Police have run up against a wall of silence, but believe the murder is linked to drugs. Although Thompson wasnt a tall man, he was powerfully built with a chilling stare that could terrify both friend and foe alike. By 1966, Arthur Thompson was all-powerful in Glasgow. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to He graduated to forming protection rackets and like some other gangsters of the era, Arthur wisely invested his money in legitimate businesses and became an exceptionally wealthy man. They were heavily involved in the violence in the ethnic Luos area which claimed the lives of several hundred people. Friendly with the likes of 'Mad' Frankie Fraser and Billy Hill, he was a leading underworld figure north of the border. This 936 square foot home is the last known address for Rita. Perhaps a more fitting coda from the band might have been, I fought the law and the law won. He certainly knew who was responsible but would not be sharing that information any time soon with the police. The Godfather was able to use his prison contacts to have steaks, alcohol and chocolate delivered to him each day in his cell. THE widow of Arthur Thompson, the former Glasgow godfather, has died. However, Thompson said the pairs reputation would damage the bands career. Drag your file here or click Browse below. Father Neil McGarrity has been placed on the sex offenders register after being found guilty of four sexual assaults and one charge of engaging in sexual activity. 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. However, Thompson said the pairs reputation would damage the bands career. United Kingdom, {"event":"pageview","page_type1":"catalog","page_type2":"image_page","language":"en","user_logged":"false","user_type":"ecommerce","nl_subscriber":"false"}, {"event":"ecommerce_event","event_name":"view_item","event_category":"browse_catalog","ecommerce":{"items":[{"item_id":"MPX5165602","item_brand":"other","item_category":"photo","item_category2":"no_copyright","item_category3":"standard","item_category5":"not_balown","item_list_name":"search_results","item_name":"glasgow_gangster_arthur_thompson_with_his_wife_rita_thompson_c_1970_b_w_photo","item_variant":"undefined"}]}}. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/MOB+WIFE+FUNERAL.-a0146927061. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Brothers Martin, George and Henry Welsh, 24, were charged with murdering Margaret and attempting to kill Arthur in the revenge attack. Visitation will be . Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. Thompson was supported loyally in his criminal enterprises by his wife the diminutive Rita who bore him four children. Thompson later gave a personal undertaking to a senior police officer that he would not harm the two officers. 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. At an identification parade he refused to identify the IRA suspect. He hobbled into the Sheriff Court to plead guilty to having 15 of cannabis which he claimed he used to alleviate arthritis. 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. A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of Neil Canney in Greenock. In 1969 she was jailed for three years for stabbing a female member of the rival Welsh family in her home and even wrote letters to the Parole Board on Thompsons behalf while inside. However, Ferris was found not guilty of all charges in June that year after the longest-running murder trial in Scottish legal history. . Teacher strikes suspended as union backs new Scottish Government pay offer. Three years later, a car mounted the pavement outside his home and ran him over. Comments have been closed on this article. Richard Thompson, live Glasgow Scotland October 1999, recorded by me from Digital broadcast. All rights reserved. In 1966 he escaped death when a bomb exploded in his MG sports car, but his mother-in-law, in the passenger seat, was killed. Mirrorpix / GIW Photos. He is a consummate villain. Arthur survived thebomb attack but his mother-in-lawMargaret Johnstone was killed outright. 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. Glasgow veterinary hospital forced to close after fire reopens its doors. The jailing of Fat Boy brought challenges from gangs hoping to take over the Thompson empire. 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. Veteran crime reporter Ron McKay tells the story of Walter Norval, the former boss of Glasgow's infamous XYY Gang. Another measure of his influence came after his son Arthur Thompson Jr was jailed for 11 years in 1985 for drug dealing. HP10 9TY. Both men were bitter rivals of Thompson. The authority's suspicions of Thompson were not unjustified. Jurors also come under attack and are provided with police bodyguards for the duration. The Thompson Gang was finished at this point, and Arthur died in his bed in 1993. THE widow of Arthur Thompson, the former Glasgow godfather, has died. Arthur Snr suspected both men of being involved in his sons murder and is said to have paid a hitman 20,000 to execute them. [citation needed], Over 300 witnesses, including Thompson Sr,[11] were called to give evidence at a trial which lasted fifty four days and cost 4.1 million, at the time the longest[7] and most expensive trial in Scottish legal history. ', Tell-tale sign a coin is rare as expert urges Glaswegians to check change. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. 'No one is going to say anything about him or the rest of the family.'. Friends of Thompson say he was never the same after young Arthurs death. Rita, stabbed the wife of Patrick Welsh in the chest. Souhila and her husband were almost ready to open Adam Supermarket before the Napiershall Lane business was hit with a devastating inferno on Wednesday night. [8] Billy died on 4 March 2017 as a result of his drug addiction. 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. He is known to have blown up a bar and social club after one owner refused to comply. Rita's husband, William Gunn, the biker, isn't so lucky, getting five years in jail for threatening to kill one of the leading witnesses. [11][12][13], Thompson died at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary on 13 March 1993 from a heart attack at the age of 61. After several escapes from camp he was sentenced to 18 months hard labour for slashing another soldier with shards of glass. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union has urged members to accept the offer. When fellow gang member Ronnie Biggs was asked shortly before his death in 2013 if Arthur was involved in the robbery, Biggs replied cryptically: I might be dying but Im not a grass.. [14], Chasing Killers Joe Jackson ISBN978-1-84596-406-1. The documents cover the period from 1967 to 1969, when Thompson was in his late 30s and paint a picture of the criminal kingpin as a devious man used to getting his own way. 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. He recognised them immediately as they and Ferris were regulars. One detective on the case said: 'He had been a dead man walking for years. Arthur Jnr had enjoyed a celebratory dinner with his father and other family members at the popular Cafe India restaurant in Glasgows Charing Cross. He was a very violent, ruthless, clever criminal and a real nasty piece of work. We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments. Thompson was one of the most feared criminals in Scotland. A leading prosecution witness, in prison at the time, is provided with a constant police escort and kept in solitary confinement. It's now, as leader of what becomes known as the XYY Gang, that Norval becomes notorious. They could. He died in March 2017, so at the time of writing, Tracey Thompson is Arthurs only remaining child. She was a graduate of the Fort Fairfield High School, class of 1963, and had been employed as a C.N.A . Anniversary. Its rumoured Thompson was present when Ronnie infamously shot George Cornell of the rival Richardson gang in Londons Blind Beggar pub in 1966. By this stage in his career Norval had a wife in Liddesdale Street, Milton, and a mistress, Jean, whom he housed separately, in Willowbank Street, but who remained loyal to him for the rest of his life. Veterinary hospital McDonald Vets, in Scotstoun in the west of Glasgow, has resumed a full service after closing for several months following the blaze in August 2022. Ironically Ferris was a former friend and ally of the Thompson family, said to be closer to the father than even his own son. Rita Thompson, who had throat cancer, died in 2006 at the age of 72. Police stopped a 38-year-old man on the A82 near Renton today for driving a vehicle which was in a state of disrepair. [14], Thompson is survived by Tracey Thompson, his last remaining child. Results for Rita have been distilled from over 6 billion consumer records found online and offline. Secret reports on Thompson from the late 1960s made public for the first time by the Scottish Government in 2010 present a chilling portrait of the man. Joe, now 80, said: As far as I was concerned what my brother and I saw that night was murder. 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. [4] Thompson then went on to invest his money into legitimate businesses, which grew more and more over the years, making him a very wealthy man. In August 2014 he died from pneumonia aged 85, cuing the high-profile exit at Maryhill Crematorium with musical accompaniment by the Clash. As his power and wealth grew, so did his influence. 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. Charges of illegal possession of a firearm and supplying heroin, cocaine and ecstasy were also thrown out by the jury. Arthur Thompson was one of 300 people called to give evidence. In 1985, he was arrested and charged with supplying heroin in what was probably a set-up; an 11-year prison sentence was the result. 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 today's money. Glasgows criminal underbelly was laid bare during three months of evidence and its hard-won City of Culture status took a battering. However, despite the murder of his son, the Godfather wasn't quite finished yet. He accused Paul Ferris, a former enforcer for the gang, of trying to kill him in 1988. Ferris trial was the longest and most expensive in Scottish history up to that point, but he was acquitted. He drove his car directly at their van and forced it off the road. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Lanterns lit after tragic death of Lanarkshire girl, 5, seen from plane by her grief-stricken family. Today, the Mungikis membership is approximately 500,000, and it is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the worlds deadliest gangs. contact the editor here. Thank you to whichever member of staff was responsible! A Young Arthur Thompson. The world's leading specialists in the distribution of art, cultural and historical images and footage for reproduction. Arthurs son Billy became a heroin addict, and his daughter Margaret died from a heroin overdose. 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. According to underworld sources, Billy Thompson, who has served a number of prison sentences and has a heroin habit, wanted to regain the former prominence of the Thompson name, despite the fact that he has not inherited any of his father's business acumen. Readers comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. Pensioner dies at Glasgow hospital a month after fatal city centre crash. In the United States, MS-13 is making its deadly mark. Menu Log In Sign Up Glasgow crime stories: Arthur Thompson who ruled the city's underworld for more than 30 years. BROOKS John to Elizabeth (McInally) on 19th June 1971, in the parish of the Immaculate Heart of. 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. 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". Along with rivals Barrio 18, they have ensured that El Salvador is the worlds murder capital. Others probably organised the double execution as a favour to him and out of respect. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments. With 50 years experience providing images from the most prestigious museums, collections and artists. There were plans at one stage to move Thompson from cushier Aberdeen to the tougher regime of Barlinnie but Rita bizarrely objected on the grounds that her husband might "fall in with a bad crowd.". While London had the Krays and the Richardsons to contend with in the 1960s, Glasgow had its own dominant group of street thugs in the form of The Thompson Gang. View the profiles of professionals named "Rita Thompson" on LinkedIn. 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. Business reporter with panache dies in retirement. His former business associate, Frankie Fraser, said Mrs Thompson was a "lovely lady". Editors' Code of Practice. 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. mg.co.za. One theory is that McPhee had tried to muscle in on the drug trade controlled by former Irish terrorists. She received three years in prison for the attack. 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.. READ MORE:The Glasgow crime story of the mysterious murder of wealthy Marion Gilchrist in 1908. As a result the takeover never took place. Thompson himself had been known for punishing enemies or bad debtors by nailing their hands and feet to the floor crucifixion-style. Arthur also enjoyed hobnobbing with celebrities. With Fatboy in prison, Old Arthur had to return before his rivals picked his empire apart. Arthur Thompson, known as the Godfather in the city, formed the gang and began his career as a money lender in a council estate.