Former gangster Paul Ferris, who once exposed the "underbelly of Liverpool," has died following a short illness. The 62-year-old, a notorious underworld figure involved in the trade of illegal firearms, was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow on Sunday, October 4, and died there on Tuesday, October 6.
Acquitted of murder in 1992
Ferris first came to public attention in 1992 when he appeared at the High Court in Glasgow, accused of murdering the son of Scottish godfather Arthur Thompson Snr. Arthur Jr, nicknamed Fatboy, was shot dead outside the family home in August 1991.
Suspicion fell on Ferris, a known "enforcer" for the Thompson family. Two other gangsters suspected of the murder, Robert Glover and Joe Hanlon, were found dead on the day of Arthur Jr's funeral, executed with shots to the head. Ferris was tried but found not guilty following what was, at the time, the longest-running trial in Scottish criminal history, the Daily Record reports.
Old Bailey trial and prison sentence
Ferris later stood trial at the Old Bailey in London in 1998, where he was convicted of conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited weapons, deal in firearms, and possess explosives. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, later reduced to seven.
While in prison, he brought out his first book, The Ferris Conspiracy, which was turned into The Wee Man. The story was adapted into a Bafta-award winning movie of the same name in 2013, starring Martin Compston as Ferris. The film told of Ferris growing up in the tough Blackhill area of Glasgow in the 80s and 90s, and how he came to work as an enforcer for crime boss Thompson Snr.
Going straight and writing books
Ferris always claimed he went straight after his release from prison in 2001 and became a legitimate businessman with interests in a security firm and a construction company. He also brought out five books documenting his previous criminal life and experiences.
In an interview with the Daily Record in July this year, Ferris said he had never been tempted to go back to his old life, even if he received an offer that "he couldn't refuse." He added: "I have either been an absolute criminal genius for the last 25 years or I have done nothing wrong. Take your pick."
Ferris also told of plans for two follow-up movies to The Wee Man and how he planned to use the profits to pay off a huge tax bill. He leaves behind five children. One family friend said: "This has come as a great shock to everyone who knew Paul over the years. No one was aware that he was unwell. Our sincere condolences go to Paul's family, friends and loved ones at this extremely difficult time."
