Paul Ferris, the former Glasgow underworld figure whose life became the subject of books and the BAFTA-winning film The Wee Man, has died at the age of 62 following a short illness.
According to reports cited by GlasgowLive and the Daily Record, Ferris was admitted to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow on Sunday and died on Tuesday, October 6. A family friend said his death came as a shock to those who knew him, adding that people close to Ferris had not been aware that he was unwell.
Ferris first gained widespread attention in 1992 when he was acquitted at Glasgow High Court of the murder of Arthur Thompson Jr., the son of crime figure Arthur Thompson Sr. The case was described at the time as the longest-running trial in Scottish criminal history.
In 1998, Ferris was convicted at the Old Bailey in London of conspiracy involving prohibited weapons, firearms offenses and possession of explosives. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, a sentence later reduced to seven years.
During his imprisonment, Ferris published The Ferris Conspiracy, a book about his life and experiences. His story later became the basis for The Wee Man, with Martin Compston portraying Ferris in the film.
Following his release from prison in 2001, Ferris maintained that he had left his criminal past behind. He went on to describe himself as a legitimate businessman and had interests including a security firm and construction company. He also published several books documenting his earlier life.
Ferris continued to attract public attention in later years, including through discussions about possible follow-up films to The Wee Man. He had five children and previously said none were involved in crime.
The news of his death has prompted condolences for his family, friends and loved ones. “This has come as a great shock to everyone who knew Paul over the years,” a family friend said.
Ferris is remembered for a life that became deeply intertwined with Glasgow’s criminal history and later transformed into a story told through books and film.
