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. Tributes paid to 'vibrant' Glasgow community hero who tragically died after long cancer battle. She sadly passed away on Wednesday, March 1. The young Detective Constable got out of his own car and ran to a nearby petrol station to phone the emergency services, where he also found Thompson who then sped off. The London Euston to Glasgow train was forced to come to an emergency stop; . 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. Thompson is survived by Tracey Thompson, his last remaining child. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. 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. Body of missing man Matthew Cosgrove discovered by police in Lanarkshire. Thompson signed into a private clinic in the West End of Glasgow and told police the injury was caused by a broken drill bit. His other son, Billy died in 2017 as a result of his drug addiction. In 1966, he narrowly escaped death when a bomb exploded under his car; his mother-in-law, in the passenger seat, was killed. With 50 years experience providing images from the most prestigious museums, collections and artists. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. 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. But nowadays, the people who call themselves gangsters don't do any hard work themselves. Thompson is survived by Tracey Thompson, his last remaining child. As money rolled in, they converted their council home into a palace, buying the property next door and knocking the two together. His daughter Rita, who had married one of the Blue Angels bikers (like Hell's Angels, only dirtier! 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, These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. 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. A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of Neil Canney in Greenock. 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.". THE widow of Arthur Thompson, the former Glasgow godfather, has died. Rita M. Glasgow, 89, of Galena, died Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community, Galena surrounded by her family. His closing years were plagued by two bouts of cancer, first of the bowel and then the lung. 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. Within a few weeks Ferris had been arrested, but Hanlon, 23, and Glover, 31, remained free. Comments have been closed on this article. Both men were bitter rivals of Thompson. A month later Norval sought Gibson out in a pub and stabbed him eight times before going on the run. Find local and national death notices, funeral notices, obituaries, in memoriams, and acknowledgements at funeral-notices.co.uk, plus a directory of over 3,000 UK Funeral Directors Even when his own son was murdered outside his own front door, he ordered his family not to give them statements. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? THE MOB'S REVENGE; 50TH BRITISH SOLDIER TO DIE SERVING IN IRAQ Troops ambushed after Islamic chief's arrest. Arthur also enjoyed hobnobbing with celebrities. Find census, military, and other historical records.*. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Thank you to whichever member of staff was responsible! At one time, he had at least 20 pubs in Glasgow paying him 4000 each week. He hobbled into the Sheriff Court to plead guilty to having 15 of cannabis which he claimed he used to alleviate arthritis. It's now, as leader of what becomes known as the XYY Gang, that Norval becomes notorious. He was jailed three years ago for carrying a knife and, a week after his release, was jailed again for carrying a harpoon gun. In his summing up Lord McCluskey, the trial judge, described the case an extraordinary catalogue of lies and deceit, cruelty and death. He gave evidence against the man accused of his sons murder, Paul Ferris, in 1992 at the High Court in Glasgow. Join Facebook to connect with Rita Thompson and others you may know. He is known to have blown up a bar and social club after one owner refused to comply. [7] Paul Ferris was charged with Arthur Thompson Jr's murder and tried in 1992 but was found not guilty and released. [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. 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. All rights reserved. In 1966 he had been involved in a high-value theft of clothes from a shop in Glasgow and was sentenced to four years in prison. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Death of another youth triggers protests in Kashmir. There are 200+ professionals named "Rita Thompson", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Around 500 bodies of Mungiki gang members have turned up in bushes outside Nairobi; they are probably victims of in-fighting. One police file said: The overall picture of Thompson is that of aviolent, vicious and active criminal who will stop at nothing to uphold his position in the underworld as a hard man and to gain his own ends.. [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". Both had been dumped in the well of Hanlon's Ford Orion car parked in Darleith Street a few yards from it's entrance. However, he survived an assassination attempt in 1985 and another one in 1988. . He certainly knew who was responsible but would not be sharing that information any time soon with the police. 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. Rita M. Glasgow, 89, of Galena, died Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Galena Stauss Senior Care Community, Galena surrounded by her family. For webmasters |, COPYRIGHT 2006 Scottish Daily Record & Sunday. Out of the darkness stepped a mystery man who opened fire before escaping in a stolen car with two other men. By now, his son Arthur Jr., also known as Fatboy, was in charge of the gang as Arthur Sr. took a backseat. The Mungiki sect emerged from Kenyas biggest ethnic group; known as the Kikuyu. The 64-year-old woman was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital following the crash on Elmbank Street last month. Arthur Thompson, known as the Godfather in the city, formed the gang and began his career as a money lender in a council estate. [8] [7] Other children [ edit] Thompson's daughter, Margaret, died from a drug overdose in 1989. 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. Paparazzi photos of director Taika Waititi getting close to actress Tessa Thompson and singer Rita Ora went viral on social media over the weekend. Thompson himself had been known for punishing enemies or bad debtors by nailing their hands and feet to the floor crucifixion-style. 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. They then returned home for a nightcap. - but was later drafted for National Service, which he was determined to avoid, as he had much of school. 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. Registered in England and Wales as company number 01056394. 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. Rita lives in Glasgow, KY in a single family house with Elisa. 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. His bullet-ridden body was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary but he died a few hours later. As a result, they were given a police guard and their families moved to safety in another part of the city. Veteran crime reporter Ron McKay tells the story of Walter Norval, the former boss of Glasgow's infamous XYY Gang. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com. He is said to run his empire from a luxury yacht. Isgho Votre ducation notre priorit . 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. The Thompson Gang was finished at this point, and Arthur died in his bed in 1993. In his day, he said, "gangsters were hard men. rita thompson glasgow. To quote from Norval's musical epitaph, My daddy was a bankrobber, but he never hurt nobody, he just loved to live that way, and he loved to steal your money.". 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. The jailing of Fat Boy brought challenges from gangs hoping to take over the Thompson empire. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. 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 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. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. In June, it began a reign of terror against matatu drivers and conductors while also targeting people who defected from the gang. Arthur was charged with their murders, but he was set free because no witnesses came forward to testify. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM . 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. View the profiles of professionals named "Rita Thompson" on LinkedIn. All planned teacher strikes have been suspended after a new pay offer was presented by the Scottish Government. At an identification parade, he refused to identify the IRA suspect. So the person in charge would have to have been something very special, and Arthur was certainly that.. Fraser, now dead, once recalled: Down south, we viewed Glasgow as the Wild West. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to Search the Bridgeman archive by uploading an image. By the early 1980's Thompson - now in his 50's - was all-powerful in Glasgow and beyond. On both occasions, he told police that he feared for his life. Disclaimer: Reference to these media outlets or TV shows should not be construed to imply an endorsement or sponsorship of Spokeo or its products. 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. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. But when I was with Thompson I was safe and I could have had anything in the pub that I wanted that night.. 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. Further violence involving the Mungiki took place after the disputed Kenyan General Election in December 2007. However, Rita never sang a note. Richard Thompson, live Glasgow Scotland October 1999, recorded by me from Digital broadcast. Legend has it that the crime boss later viewed the bodies and shot both men in the chest with another gun. Let's take a critical look at the truth about Walter Norval, rather than the sepia-tinted mythology. Norval went down for 14 years. 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. Glasgow Live. In dramatic scenes, Thompson and the Welshes both stood trial at the same time at the High Court in Glasgow. [6] Thompson was charged with murder but not prosecuted as the police could find no witnesses who would testify. Police stopped a 38-year-old man on the A82 near Renton today for driving a vehicle which was in a state of disrepair. 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. 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. London, W2 4PH 'You're wasting your time,' a shopkeeper said. ', Tell-tale sign a coin is rare as expert urges Glaswegians to check change. 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 Feedback | His former business associate, Frankie Fraser, said Mrs Thompson was a "lovely lady". [9] He was acquitted of all charges. Their desire is to ensure their nation reverts to indigenous African traditions. Police have confirmed that the body of Matthew Cosgrove was discovered in the Lesmahagow area on Friday afternoon. There was understandable media speculation that Ferris now had a price on his head. Fraser, now dead, once recalled: Down south, we viewed Glasgow as the Wild West. He is known to have blown up a pub and social club after one owner refused to comply. Others probably organised the double execution as a favour to him and out of respect. 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. He drove his car directly at their van and forced it off the road. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. Bridgeman Images Menu Log In Sign Up Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. READ MORE:The Glasgow Crime Story of Eleni Pachou who was murdered in her work Di Maggio's. However, Thompson said the pairs reputation would damage the bands career. At the tender age of nineteen, he had become the crime bosss feared enforcer, collecting debts on his behalf. Thompson signed into a private clinic in the West End of Glasgow and told police the injury was caused by a broken drill bit. If that was true then young Arthurs decision to take the night air was to prove fatal. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. 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. Kenyans who live in the slums carrying the body of a suspected Mungiki member. The authority's suspicions of Thompson were not unjustified. 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.. View the profiles of people named Rita. At eight he was nicking potatoes from shops and coal briquettes (blocks of compacted coal dust for younger readers) from coal lorries, which he then sold on. Rita Thompson, who had throat cancer, died in 2006 at the age of 72. 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. At one time, he had at least 20 pubs in Glasgow paying him 4000 each week. On one occasion, the then BBC broadcaster accompanied Thompson to an underworld pub in London. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to The wife of late Glasgow godfather Arthur Thompson, died last week aged 72 after a battle with throat cancer. 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. He has since been jailed for involvement in a firearms conspiracy. Readers comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. Theres also little doubt that Arthur Thompson Snr ordered the killings. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. 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. Spokeo's database, while extensive, does not contain all U.S. warrant, arrest, court, or other related records. *** Local Caption *** Scottish gangs This photo license is intended for editorial use only. The 56-year-old had been reported missing on Sunday. It was rumoured to be fitted out with secret passages, hiding spots, and its own underground tunnel. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can 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. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. This photo license is intended for editorial use only. As well as terrorizing people in the United States, MS-13 still has a heavy presence in El Salvador. Charges of illegal possession of a firearm and supplying heroin, cocaine and ecstasy were also thrown out by the jury. Norval made his name in local gangs, moving on to protection rackets, working pubs, clubs and bookies then, naturally, to armed robbery. They fought in the streets, they fought in the pubs and they made names for themselves - but it was amongst themselves. Two weeks later Joe learned of Thompsons plans to blow up both his and Johns homes in Glasgow. When he was sent to Inverness after one escapade, a 21-inch metal cosh was found inside his pillow. 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. Three months later, Thompson narrowly escaped death when he was in a car that exploded outside his house. 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. Results for Rita have been distilled from over 6 billion consumer records found online and offline. Urgent reappeal to find missing Glasgow man as disappearance 'very out of character'. But he was able to argue an attempted murder case down to a three-year sentence in Peterhead for assault. At an identification parade he refused to identify the IRA suspect. Glasgow priest found guilty of abusing four young girls walks free from court. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union has urged members to accept the offer. Bear in mind that the population of El Salvador is approximately 6.12 million. Please note that only low-res files should be uploaded. Dumbarton police stop 'dangerous' vehicle on A82 as driver fails cannabis test. His own death almost 30 years ago marked the end of an astonishing era in the history of the city's underworld. Additionally, Ora has shared photos with both Waititi and Thompson. Shelter Scotland launch Glasgow Central Station pop up clothes shops. They just pay someone a couple of grand to go and hurt people for them.. Both bodies are thought to have been stored at business premises not far from the Cottage Bar overnight, then driven to Darleith Street around mid-morning. Once, when giving evidence at the High Court in Glasgow, Arthur Thompson even joked about speaking with cotton wool in his mouth a technique Brando used to sound like a mob boss. In August 2014 he died from pneumonia aged 85, cuing the high-profile exit at Maryhill Crematorium with musical accompaniment by the Clash. Thompsons name was enough to strike fear into anyone who crossed him. It was just a way for the terrified owner to pay protection to Thompson. You can make a complaint by using the report this post link . However, despite the murder of his son, the Godfather wasn't quite finished yet. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. 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. After a few years of relatively low-key activity, the gang escalated its violent activity in 2007. A leading prosecution witness, in prison at the time, is provided with a constant police escort and kept in solitary confinement. 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. Nine months later Thompson died in his bed from a heart attack. The incident was part of a long feud between the two clans. Beatings and slashings were routinely inflicted on anyone who failed to pay up. Jurors also come under attack and are provided with police bodyguards for the duration. 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. 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". Today, there is an estimated 70,000 members throughout Central and North America. He died in his father's arms. We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments. Privacy policy | On the morning of young Arthur's funeral, a month after his murder, their bodies were discovered outside the Cottage Bar, in Shettleston, Glasgow. photos. contact the editor here. It was now all about drugs and there Wattie drew the line. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Uncover details about birth, marriage, and divorce. Ferris only escaped a similar fate because he was on remand at Barlinnie Prison awaiting trial. ), 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. The acclaimed stylist, from Castlemilk, Glasgow, won multiple awards. They had been shot in the head and the anus. Thompson would also carry out hits for the Krays in London and they would do the same in return in Glasgow. Although Thompson wasnt a tall man, he was powerfully built with a chilling stare that could terrify both friend and foe alike. "He didnt care if he had money in his pocket. Ironically Ferriss incarceration by the authorities saved his life. 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. [8] He had been given two-and-a-half years, reduced on appeal to 18 months. As his power and wealth grew, so did his influence. READ MORE:The Glasgow crime story of the mysterious murder of wealthy Marion Gilchrist in 1908. Police are probing his links with a big dogfighting ring. HE was Glasgows equivalent of Don Corleone, the fictional New York crime godfather immortalised in his portrayal by Marlon Brando. Nadiya Tkachenko compitiendo en la prueba de lanzamiento de peso en el pentatln olmpico de 1980, donde gan la medalla de oro. Brothers Martin, George and Henry Welsh, 24, were charged with murdering Margaret and attempting to kill Arthur in the revenge attack.
