The cause of death of notorious gangland figure Paul Ferris has been revealed in official records.
Ferris, from Blackhill in Glasgow, was originally a feared enforcer for Glasgow crime boss and godfather Arthur Thompson Snr, collecting debts on his behalf.
The 62-year-old passed away at 9.10am on Tuesday, October 6, at University Hospital Ayr after having been admitted to hospital two days earlier.
Official cause of death
In documents, certified by a medical practitioner three days following his passing, his cause of death has been listed as “Multiple Organ Failure (Cardiovascular, Liver and Respiratory)” and “Decompensated alcoholic liver disease”, reports the Sun.
His liver was described as at a critical stage of alcohol-related cirrhosis prior to his passing. This means that his liver could no longer function and can lead to death within weeks.
Funeral arrangements
Earlier this week, we revealed that Ferris' funeral is due to take place at Daldowie Crematorium in Uddingston, near Glasgow on Monday, October 19.
The Glasgow City Council-managed site is the same place where his sworn enemy crime boss Tam "The Licensee" McGraw was laid to rest following his death 19 years ago.
Ferris always linked McGraw to the murders of his two friends and associates Joe Hanlon and Bobby Glover, who were also suspected of Arthur Jnr's murder in August 1991. Ferris and McGraw were also said to have clashed in a violent street brawl in Glasgow in 2002, something Ferris always denied.
It is not known how many figures, if any, from Ferris's criminal past will attend or if there will be a police presence in case of any trouble.
Legacy and past convictions
A family friend told the Record: "A large turnout is expected for Paul's funeral. Despite his notoriety and colourful past he was loved by his family.
"He was also a loyal and faithful friend. We are not expecting any trouble but it will be interesting to see who is there on the day."
In 1992, Ferris was cleared of the murder of Arthur Thompson Jnr, son of the Godfather and former boss Arthur Thompson Snr, at the High Court in Glasgow. Thompson Jnr was shot dead outside his home in Provanmill, Glasgow.
Six years later, Ferris was jailed for a decade - later reduced to seven - at the Old Bailey in London over conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited weapons, deal in firearms, and possess explosives.
His first book, The Ferris Conspiracy, was brought out while he was in prison and was later turned into Bafta-winning movie The Wee Man, starring Line of Duty star Martin Compston as Ferris.
Ferris, five children and said that none of them are involved in crime, always claimed he went straight after his release in 2001 and became a legitimate businessman with interests in security and construction. He brought out five books documenting his criminal life and had been planning a sequel to The Wee Man and also a third movie.
