Paul Ferris, who was known as the Wee Man, was a notorious ex-gangster and Arthur Thompson enforcer in Glasgow’s underworld, and was the subject of a Bafta-winning movie starring Line of Duty’s Martin Compston
Former infamous criminal Paul Ferris has passed away following a brief illness, it has emerged.
Ferris, aged 62, was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow on Sunday and sadly died on Tuesday. He first entered the public eye in 1992 when he was acquitted at the High Court in Glasgow of the murder of Arthur Thompson jnr – son of crime boss Arthur Thomspon snr – in what was then the longest trial in Scottish criminal history.
He later faced trial at the Old Bailey in London in 1998, where he was found guilty of conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited weapons, dealing in firearms, and possessing explosives. He received a 10-year prison sentence, which was subsequently reduced to seven years.
While incarcerated, he penned his first book The Ferris Conspiracy, which was adapted into The Wee Man. The story was then transformed into a Bafta award-winning film featuring Line of Duty star Martin Compston as Ferris, reports the Daily Record.
Ferris consistently maintained that he turned over a new leaf after his release from prison in 2001, becoming a legitimate businessman with stakes in a security firm and a construction company.
He also published five books detailing his former life of crime and experiences.
In a chat with the Daily Record in July, Ferris stated he had never been tempted to return to his old ways, even if he received an offer that ‘he couldn’t refuse’.
He acknowledged that there were still sceptics who doubted his reformation.
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 spoke of plans for two follow-up films to the Wee Man and how he intended to use the proceeds to settle a substantial tax bill.
The Wee Man chronicled the story of Ferris’s upbringing in the harsh Blackhill district of Glasgow during the 80s and 90s and how he became an enforcer for merciless crime boss Arthur Thompson snr. Ferris is father to five children and has stated that none of them are mixed up in criminal activity.
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 heartfelt condolences go to Paul’s family, friends and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”