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. However, Rita never sang a note. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union has urged members to accept the offer. 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. Prison chiefs were also under no illusions about the kind of man they were dealing with. Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . Beatings and slashings were routinely inflicted on anyone who failed to pay up. Shortly afterwards, he spotted two men he suspected of the attack, Patrick Welsh and James Goldie, members of the rival Welsh family Blackhill gang. [11][12][13], Thompson died at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary on 13 March 1993 from a heart attack at the age of 61. 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. [8] [7] Other children [ edit] Thompson's daughter, Margaret, died from a drug overdose in 1989. Even when his own son was murdered outside his front door, he ordered his family not to give them statements or tell what they had seen. [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. But when I was with Thompson, I was safe and I could have had anything in the pub that I wanted that night.. For all advertising and other non-editorial uses contact the GIW office for further information. Arthur suspected that two men from the rival Welsh clan, Patrick Welsh and James Goldie, had planted the bomb. 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. He was friendly with another legendary London gangster too Mad Frankie Fraser. When he was sent to Inverness after one escapade, a 21-inch metal cosh was found inside his pillow. It was now all about drugs and there Wattie drew the line. Glasgow Live. It later transpired that they would have been better off inside prison. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can El pentatln o pentatln femenino es un evento combinado de atletismo en el que cada mujer compite en cinco eventos separados durante un da (anteriormente dos das). In the United States, MS-13 is making its deadly mark. In 1988 Arthur was shot in the groin outside The Ponderosa. Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Fraser, now dead, once recalled: Down south, we viewed Glasgow as the Wild West. In August 1991, Arthur Jnr, 31, was shot dead outside the Thompson family home while on weekend leave from prison. heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment. Gang members are prone to psychotically violent behavior. As his power and wealth grew, so did his influence. However, despite the murder of his son, the Godfather wasn't quite finished yet. 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. Ferris trial was the longest and most expensive in Scottish history up to that point, but he was acquitted. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself. The 37-year-old was found seriously injured on his doorstep on Tuesday. Let's take a critical look at the truth about Walter Norval, rather than the sepia-tinted mythology. Copyright 2023 Bridgeman Art Library Limited. Glasgow comedian pokes fun at 'West End Mums' in hilarious Pet Shop Boys parody, Hilarious TikToker Zara has created a fantastic parody of Pet Shop Boys 80s classic 'West End Girls' taking aim at mums living in the west end of the city 'because being south's an anxiety trigger. 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. View the profiles of people named Rita. [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". His rivals tried and failed to eliminate him in 1966 when a bomb exploded under his car. In later life he even adopted some of the late US mobster's sartorial taste in pinstripes. The following year, the Mungiki fought against Kenyan police and two officers died. With Fatboy in prison, Old Arthur had to return before his rivals picked his empire apart. They just pay someone a couple of grand to go and hurt people for them.. 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. To survive, they formed their own group and called themselves Mara (Central American term for Gang) Salvatrucha (Salva comes from El Salvador, and Trucha means clever). Readers comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Arthur Jnr had enjoyed a celebratory dinner with his father and other family members at the popular Cafe India restaurant in Glasgows Charing Cross. Tony Thompson reports, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. The world's leading specialists in the distribution of art, cultural and historical images and footage for reproduction. One of its founders claims that the Mungiki began as a local militia in the 1980s. Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. He is known to have blown up a pub and social club after one owner refused to comply. Honey Boo Boo star Alana Thompson's boyfriend Dralin . 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. 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. The iconic firm was formed back in 1965. HE was Glasgows equivalent of Don Corleone, the fictional New York crime godfather immortalised in his portrayal by Marlon Brando. 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. 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. Glasgow gangster Arthur Thompson, known as The Godfather, pictured with his wife Rita Thompson.Circa 1970. 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. Arthur survived thebomb attack but his mother-in-lawMargaret Johnstone was killed outright. Others probably organised the double execution as a favour to him and out of respect. Comments have been closed on this article. Something went wrong, please try again later. Join Facebook to connect with Rita Thompson and others you may know. The Thompson Gang was soon the most feared group in Scotland and rivals were terrified of Arthur due to his sadistic nature. It was common for Arthur to crucify his victims by nailing their hands and feet to furniture. Thirty years later no one has yet been charged with the murders or stood trial. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Glasgow shop owner 'in tears' after store weeks away from opening hit by devastating blaze. 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. Joe, now 80, said: As far as I was concerned what my brother and I saw that night was murder. In August 1991, Arthur Jr, 31, was shot dead outside the family home while on weekend leave from prison. *** Local Caption *** Scottish gangs. The car was deliberately placed on the funeral route. Richard Thompson, live Glasgow Scotland October 1999, recorded by me from Digital broadcast. He was born in 1928 in Possil, three years before Old Arthur Thompson, a Godfather contemporary, but one whose criminal path diverged into drugs, whereas Norval preferred to do it the old fashioned way, with a mask and a gun in an armed robbery, never mind the occasional stabbing. 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. He is said to run his empire from a luxury yacht. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. 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. 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. He was caught and, as criminals did at the time, called for the legendary lawyer Joe Beltrami, who hired advocate Nicky Fairbairn to defend him. Both men were bitter rivals of Thompson. The group has a total disdain for the modernization of their country and completely reject Western influences. 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. However, he survived an assassination attempt in 1985 and another one in 1988. In dramatic scenes, Thompson and the Welshes both stood trial at the same time at the High Court in Glasgow. His other son, Billy died in 2017 as a result of his drug addiction. Copyright 2018 Global Image Works, LLC. [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. His own death almost 30 years ago marked the end of an astonishing era in the history of the city's underworld. It's not known what Thompson's views were when Ferris was cleared of murdering his son. As a result the takeover never took place. Glasgow veterinary hospital forced to close after fire reopens its doors. 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. Their desire is to ensure their nation reverts to indigenous African traditions. Disaster struck in 1985 when Fat Boy was jailed for 11 years when he fell victim to a huge heroin bust. At an identification parade he refused to identify the IRA suspect. We found 2 records matching "Rita Thompson" in KY. * Historical, vital, and court records and search results may require an additional purchase. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 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". Brothers Martin, George and Henry Welsh, 24, were charged with murdering Margaret and attempting to kill Arthur in the revenge attack. [8] Billy had recently served a prison sentence for possessing a harpoon gun. As money rolled in, they converted their council home into a palace, buying the property next door and knocking the two together. It was clear to everyone in the citys underworld what type of message was being sent out with the double murder. But when I was with Thompson I was safe and I could have had anything in the pub that I wanted that night.. Glasgow's gangsters, Arthur Thompson - the Godfather, Glasgow bakery Mortons Rolls 'ceases all trading' in 'hammer blow' to city. 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.". It was also rumoured that Thompson was involved in the 1963 Great Train robbery when 2.6 million (equivalent to around 30m now) was stolen from the Glasgow to London mail train. Old Arthur was less feared than before and apparently had a fondness for booze. The violence was on a much, much higher level. Thompson himself had been known for punishing enemies or bad debtors by nailing their hands and feet to the floor crucifixion-style. As his power and wealth grew, so did his influence. Billy Thompson has now been taken off the critical list and looks set to make a full recovery. Thompson suspected both men of being involved in his sons murder and is said to have paid a hitman 20,000 to execute them. Glasgow priest found guilty of abusing four young girls walks free from court. He is known to have blown up a bar and social club after one owner refused to comply. Powerful social search locates profiles on social networks, dating sites, online shopping, web forums, music platforms, etc. McPherson wrote: It was straight out of a Guy Ritchie movie and was full of cockney hardmen. They could. 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. 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. Which was only partly true because he hurt many nobodies. 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. 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. 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. 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. Whoever did that was taking a big chance as Hanlon's Ford Orion was well known to the police and was regularly stopped. 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. By the Eighties, the Thompson clan had moved into. He was Glasgows equivalent of Don Corleone, the fictional New York crime boss immortalised by Marlon Brando in the classic Oscar-winning Godfather movie. Arthur Thompson, known as the Godfather in the city, formed the gang and began his career as a money lender in a council estate. By now, his son Arthur Jr., also known as Fatboy, was in charge of the gang as Arthur Sr. took a backseat. At 1.30pm, five cars left her home in Provanmill Road in Glasgow's East End bound for nearby Riddrie Park Cemetery. [5] His other son, Billy, was stabbed and seriously wounded 400 yards (350 metres) from the family home [8] in 2000, but survived. View property details and household demographic information related to income, investments, and interests. Gangsters usually have elaborate and colourful funerals and Walter Norval's was no different. It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Arthur also enjoyed hobnobbing with celebrities. Nadiya Tkachenko compitiendo en la prueba de lanzamiento de peso en el pentatln olmpico de 1980, donde gan la medalla de oro. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. Rita M. Glasgow, 89, of Galena, died Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community, Galena surrounded by her family. Thompson survived - just - and two men have since appeared in court in connection with the attack, which police are treating as attempted murder. At the tender age of nineteen, he had become the crime bosss feared enforcer, collecting debts on his behalf. His team, the Barlanark Gang, initially continued paying him a cut, but the two sides quickly fell out as the Gang found new paymasters. Three months later, Thompson narrowly escaped death when he was in a car that exploded outside his house. He died in his father's arms. As a consequence, many of the young men that arrived gravitated towards violence. With 50 years experience providing images from the most prestigious museums, collections and artists. Campbell, convicted of the 1984 Ice Cream Murders when six members of the Doyle family died in a blaze in Ruchazie, Glasgow, has, like Ferris, long accused McGraw of building his criminal empire. There are 200+ professionals named "Rita Thompson", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. Earlier this year, pitched battles broke out in Chinese restaurants between the Wo Sing Wo Triad and their rivals, the Tai Huen Chair or Big Circle Gang. Friendly with the likes of 'Mad' Frankie Fraser and Billy Hill, he was a leading underworld figure north of the border. Arthur survived, but his mother-in-law was killed. So the person in charge would have to have been something very special, and Arthur was certainly that.. Join Facebook to connect with Rita Thompson and others you may know. For Norval the past was not just a different country but one with a language and culture he did not understand. Police have run up against a wall of silence, but believe the murder is linked to drugs. 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. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? 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. We are lucky at The Herald. This 936 square foot home is the last known address for Rita. There was understandable media speculation that Ferris now had a price on his head. The authority's suspicions of Thompson were not unjustified. On the morning of young Arthur's funeral, a month after his murder, their bodies were discovered outside the Cottage Bar, in Shettleston, Glasgow. The truth about the slaying of Arthur 'Fat Boy' Thompson Junior, eldest son of the godfather of Glasgow's biggest criminal clan, outside his home in the Provanmill district in 1991, has been. He was buried in the family plot at Riddrie Cemetery beside Arthur Jnr and daughter, Margaret, who suffered a drugs overdose in 1989. 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 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. Nine months later Thompson died in his bed from a heart attack. And in a summation which might bring a tear to the glassiest eye she said, Dad wasnt motivated by money. Thompson died at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary on 13 March 1993 from a heart attack at the age of 61. In 1966, he narrowly escaped death when a bomb exploded under his car; his mother-in-law, in the passenger seat, was killed. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Download Glasgow gangster Arthur Thompson with his wife Rita Thompson, c.1970 (b/w photo) from Bridgeman Images archive a library of millions of art, Menu Log In Sign Up Both men died, but Arthur escaped prosecution because no witness would testify against him. After a few years of relatively low-key activity, the gang escalated its violent activity in 2007. The incident was part of a long feud between the two clans. In spite of this, he is scalded with boiling water. The gangster was always the same dealing with the police. 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. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Thompson is survived by Tracey Thompson, his last remaining child. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories. 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. Feedback | If that was true then young Arthurs decision to take the night air was to prove fatal. In 1989, Arthur's daughter, Margaret, died of a drugs overdose. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to His coffin was carried by members of a biker club, his six daughters and a granddaughter all wore matching red outfits and music from the Clash blared out as the retinue made its way into the crematorium. Editors' Code of Practice. Paparazzi photos of director Taika Waititi getting close to actress Tessa Thompson and singer Rita Ora went viral on social media over the weekend. The police breakthrough came, inevitably, from an informant and many of the gang were found in Norval's Maryhill airt and in the south side under the noses of the authorities, just yards from the Orkney Street police office. As well as terrorizing people in the United States, MS-13 still has a heavy presence in El Salvador. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. View Anniversary. A few days after the double murder, armed police raided the Ponderosa home looking for evidence but nothing was found. 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. Teacher strikes suspended as union backs new Scottish Government pay offer. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to 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. Brothers Martin, George and Henry Welsh, 24, were charged with murdering Margaret and attempting to kill Arthur in the revenge attack. Its rumoured Thompson was present when Ronnie infamously shot George Cornell of the rival Richardson gang in Londons Blind Beggar pub in 1966. 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. Today, the Mungikis membership is approximately 500,000, and it is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the worlds deadliest gangs. Rita Thompson is a Nursing Development Professional & Perioperative Specialist at Stanford Health Care based in Palo Alto, California. The myth has him dedicating himself to a life of crime after watching the movie Dillinger in a local fleapit. The gang clashed with the owners of matatus (privately owned minibusses) and approximately 50 people died in the violence. No one man had dominated organised crime in the city quite like Arthur Thompson and no one man ever would.
