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Paul Ferris Death Spurs Backlash Over Thompson Family Posts

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 10:12 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Paul Ferris Dies

Former crime boss Paul Ferris died at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital after a short illness.
He was acquitted of Arthur Thompson Jr.’s 1992 murder after a 54-day trial.
Ferris co-authored five books, including *The Ferris Conspiracy*, which inspired the 2013 film *The Wee Man*.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay warned against glorifying Ferris, urging focus on his victims.

Summary

Thompson Family Celebrates

Thompson family publicly celebrated Ferris’s death on social media with champagne images.
Tracey Thompson posted a smiley emoji with a champagne glass after the news.
Robert Glover was found dead in a car on Thompson Jr.’s funeral day.
Joe “Bananas” Hanlon was also discovered shot dead in the same vehicle.
Ferris faced seven charges, including attempted murder of Thompson Sr. in May 1990 and illegal drug supply.

History

Historical Context

Arthur Thompson Jr. was shot dead on 18 August 1991, igniting a feud that saw former enforcer Paul Ferris tried in 1992. The 54-day trial, with over 300 witnesses and a £4.1 million cost, was then Scotland’s longest and most expensive criminal case, deepening Glasgow’s gangland war. Ferris’s 2026 death and the Thompson family’s posts revive fascination, prompting Conservative leader Russell Findlay to condemn gangster glorification.

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Paul Ferris Dies

Former crime boss Paul Ferris died at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital after a short illness.
He was acquitted of Arthur Thompson Jr.’s 1992 murder after a 54-day trial.
Ferris co-authored five books, including *The Ferris Conspiracy*, which inspired the 2013 film *The Wee Man*.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay warned against glorifying Ferris, urging focus on his victims.

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