[5] His other son, Billy, was stabbed and seriously wounded 400 yards (350 metres) from the family home [8] in 2000, but survived. He died in his father's arms. In 1969, Arthurs wife, Rita, stabbed the wife of Patrick Welsh in the chest. The wife of late Glasgow godfather Arthur Thompson, died last week aged 72 after a battle with throat cancer. Both men were bitter rivals of Thompson. 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. But when I was with Thompson, I was safe and I could have had anything in the pub that I wanted that night.. For Norval the past was not just a different country but one with a language and culture he did not understand. The violence was on a much, much higher level. View the profiles of professionals named "Rita Thompson" on LinkedIn. READ MORE:The Glasgow crime story of the mysterious murder of wealthy Marion Gilchrist in 1908. Disaster struck in 1985 when Fat Boy was jailed for 11 years when he fell victim to a huge heroin bust. The violence was on a much, much higher level. Search by name or location to find online obituaries. Arthurs son Billy became a heroin addict, and his daughter Margaret died from a heroin overdose. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please There was understandable media speculation that Ferris now had a price on his head. However, Rita never sang a note. He might have observed the criminal code but never the marital one. Rita, stabbed the wife of Patrick Welsh in the chest. Two weeks later Joe learned of Thompsons plans to blow up both his and Johns homes in Glasgow. The first milestone he set himself was to go to Borstal, which he achieved at 16 after breaking into a Hope Street office and holding up a newsagent with a fake gun. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Arthur was also involved in legitimate enterprises such as pubs, demolition, corner shops, garages, and carpet showrooms to keep his assets hidden. The gang is sometimes referred to as the Kenyan version of the Yakuza, Mafia or Cosa Nostra due to its organization. Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. It was the end of an astonishing era. Ironically Ferris was a former friend and ally of the Thompson family, said to be closer to the father than even his own son. It's not known what Thompson's views were when Ferris was cleared of murdering his son. [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. gemini and scorpio parents gabi wilson net worth 2021. rita thompson glasgow. Thompson in turn was accused of the culpable homicide of Goldie and Welsh. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. Theres also little doubt that Arthur Thompson Snr ordered the killings. But the damage to his family's already tattered reputation, not to mention the violent implications for Glasgow's underworld, look set to last for some time to come. Fraser, now dead, once recalled: Down south, we viewed Glasgow as the Wild West. Norval went down for 14 years. However, Ferris was found not guilty of all charges in June that year after the longest-running murder trial in Scottish legal history. . Friendly with the likes of 'Mad' Frankie Fraser and Billy Hill, he was a leading underworld figure north of the border. 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. As a result, they were given a police guard and their families moved to safety. They had each been shot in the back of the head, with an extra bullet fired up their anuses for good measure. 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. The term Mungiki means multitude or united people in the Kikuyu language. 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. By now, his son Arthur Jr., also known as Fatboy, was in charge of the gang as Arthur Sr. took a backseat. Feedback | [14], Thompson is survived by Tracey Thompson, his last remaining child. 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. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Rita Thompson (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), who passed away at the age of 64, on August 18, 2021. He then walked the few yards from one court to another to give evidence in the Welshes murder trial. Copyright 2006 Gale, Cengage Learning. 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. - but was later drafted for National Service, which he was determined to avoid, as he had much of school. 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.. She had lived in the same house in Provanmill since Mr. Nine months later on March 13 1993, Thompson died from a heart attack at the age of 61. Police are probing his links with a big dogfighting ring. Thompson is survived by Tracey Thompson, his last remaining child. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? Please note that only low-res files should be uploaded. The Godfather was reportedly able to use his prison contacts to have steaks, alcohol and chocolate delivered to him each day in his cell. View Jessie Kay Thompson results including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. 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 Live. It was started in California when large groups of people from El Salvador fled the country during its civil war. In June, it began a reign of terror against matatu drivers and conductors while also targeting people who defected from the gang. Rita Thompson, 72, who had throat cancer, died on Tuesday. 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. While some American readers may know about MS-13 as they apparently operate in 42 states, the gang was relatively unknown outside of the Americas until recently. All rights reserved. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. He started young around the Garscube Road. As his power and wealth grew, so did his influence. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. However, despite the murder of his son, the Godfather wasn't quite finished yet. He drove his car directly at their van and forced it off the road. The spot where Fat Boy died is just a few yards from where Billy Thompson was stabbed 10 months ago during the unsuccessful first attempt on his life and a short distance from the site of the most recent attack. 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. It was common for Arthur to crucify his victims by nailing their hands and feet to furniture. His grandchildren and great grandchildren have to remain anonymous for the safety of the family. 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. Their desire is to ensure their nation reverts to indigenous African traditions. The myth has him dedicating himself to a life of crime after watching the movie Dillinger in a local fleapit. 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. The battle for Glasgow's underworld is being further complicated by the arrival of a new clan of Triad gangsters attempting to take over the drug trade. [7] Paul Ferris was charged with Arthur Thompson Jr's murder and tried in 1992 but was found not guilty and released. However, Rita never sang a note. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. As the school's most distinguished benefactors . 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. As well as terrorizing people in the United States, MS-13 still has a heavy presence in El Salvador. 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. The car was deliberately placed on the funeral route. And in a summation which might bring a tear to the glassiest eye she said, Dad wasnt motivated by money. *** Local Caption *** Scottish gangs This photo license is intended for editorial use only. Thompson was supported loyally in his criminal enterprises by his wife the diminutive Rita who bore him four children. 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. 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. By the Eighties, the Thompson clan had moved into the drug trade led by the Thompsons' eldest son, Arthur Jnr, known as Fat Boy, who operated out of Blackpool. She received three years in prison for the attack. 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. A few days after the double murder, armed police raided the Ponderosa home looking for evidence but nothing was found. Glasgow shop owner 'in tears' after store weeks away from opening hit by devastating blaze. You can make a complaint by using the report this post link . His account, as it was in all subsequent violent episodes, was that the red mist had come down and he couldn't remember a thing about it afterwards. Uncover Rita's photos, videos, and more . In 2000, Billy was stabbed close to the family home and survived. He was friendly with another legendary London gangster too Mad Frankie Fraser. The gunman, an IRA hitman, had been hired by a rival to kill him. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. We identified 2 records related to "Rita Thompson" in the state of Kentucky. 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. ), added to the myth of the occasion by telling the world that her good old Da was determined not to leave the world until he know that his 'lassies' could look after themselves. Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. You can make a complaint by using the report this post link . The group has a total disdain for the modernization of their country and completely reject Western influences. Which was only partly true because he hurt many nobodies. 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"}]}}. By 1966, Arthur Thompson was all-powerful in Glasgow. The grim find was made by the pubs manager who was passing at the time on his way to open up. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Ironically Ferriss incarceration by the authorities saved his life. Comments have been closed on this article. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's She received three years in prison for the attack. The judges in all four cases have to be constantly guarded by armed police. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Thompson himself had been known for punishing enemies or bad debtors by nailing their hands and feet to the floor crucifixion-style. Although Thompson wasnt a tall man, he was powerfully built with a chilling stare that could terrify both friend and foe alike. 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. Arthur survived, but his mother-in-law was killed. Join Facebook to connect with Rita Thompson and others you may know. Thompson would also carry out hits for the Krays in London and they would do the same in return in Glasgow. 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. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/MOB+WIFE+FUNERAL.-a0146927061. Out of the darkness stepped a mystery man who opened fire before escaping in a stolen car with two other men. 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. In spite of this, he is scalded with boiling water. Fatboy was very different to his father. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Other papers record Thompson trying to stir up a hunger strike and pressing inmates to petition for better privileges and visiting rights. This photo license is intended for editorial use only. One infamous recent incident occurred when a member in San Francisco killed a man and his two sons for the crime of briefly blocking his car. Arthur Thompson, known as the Godfather in the city, formed the gang and began his career as a money lender in a council estate. 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. The trial has to be delayed. 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. Thompson in turn was accused of the culpable homicide of Goldie and Welsh. 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. READ MORE:The Glasgow crime story of the murder of Jackie Gallagher. In the United States, MS-13 is making its deadly mark. 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.. 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. 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. One of his main sources of income over the years was providing protection to pubs in the city. Joe, now 80, said: As far as I was concerned what my brother and I saw that night was murder. Glasgow's gangsters - Arthur Thompson, the Godfather, Killings of Patrick Welsh and James Goldie, "Fears gangland enforcer Ferris moving in on Capital cab trade", http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/861134.stm, https://web.archive.org/web/20051227034428/http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/s2.cfm?id=474552002, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arthur_Thompson_(gangster)&oldid=1115792863, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 13 October 2022, at 06:54. View Rita Thomson results including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. Tributes paid to 'vibrant' Glasgow community hero who tragically died after long cancer battle. 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. 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. As a result, they were given a police guard and their families moved to safety in another part of the city. Editors' Code of Practice. It was at this point he even joked about speaking with cotton wool in his mouth. Old Arthur testified against Ferris thus breaking the gangster code of silence. For webmasters |, COPYRIGHT 2006 Scottish Daily Record & Sunday. MS-13 worked with Mexican drug cartels regularly and is becoming ever more active in the United States. As his power and wealth grew, so did his influence. Arthur suspected that two men from the rival Welsh clan, Patrick Welsh and James Goldie, had planted the bomb. It may be one of the few occasions when the law had got the better of him. It was clear to everyone in the citys underworld what type of message was being sent out with the double murder. contact the editor here. His other son, Billy died in 2017 as a result of his drug addiction. Ferris only escaped a similar fate because he was on remand at Barlinnie Prison awaiting trial.