There is even a story of Viv having to hide behind a settee when a debt collector came to visit, having blown the thirty grand meant for the debt collector the day before. After Thompson fired shots at a car belonging to the Tams, a plot was hatched to get back at him, culminating in the Bentick Road shooting. Haq, of Newbold Street, Byker, also admitted two counts of making threats to kill and was jailed for 10 years. Nigel Abadom gained notoriety through extortion plots and threats of extreme violence. I think theres more shootings in the book than a John Wayne film. Four separate Triad societies are now operating throughout the UK, with bases in every city with a large Chinese community. West End Foodbank reports busiest month in 10-year history amid city's 'staggering' need for help, The West End Foodbank handed out more food parcels in March than in any other month since it launched in 2013, What's the best North East pub? London's crime families are more territorial, but can be internationally active in money . But not all the family are criminals. Ex-boxer and bouncer Duffy, from South Bank, Middlesbrough, died in a street fight in the town in 1991 aged 26. However the Court of Appeal has extended their sentences so they will each now serve nine years behind bars following a hearing. About 1,000 members here. Operation Sayers is a book that delves into the lives . Thompson later admitted that he had used that weapon in a drive-by shooting of the car. Paul Mitchell, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: The case involved the operations of an organised crime group in Newcastle. Callum Wilson tops Newcastle United fan ratings in Southampton victory. This page was last edited on 12 December 2007, at 14:58. The shameless gangs jailed this year for bringing - ChronicleLive Tyneside's most notorious gangland feud to be played - ChronicleLive They wanted Viv taking out and arranged a winner takes all bare knuckle boxing fight, but their plans failed when Viv was warned about the ambush and did not show. A feared gangster from Newcastle has been cleared of ordering the ride-by shooting of a bouncer because his son had been thrown out of a nightclub. The strongest of these are the Chinese Triads and the Jamaican Yardies, who operate within their own communities, at times extremely violently. Wilson scored twice against Southampton to extend his tally to 15 goals in the Premier League this season. Editors' Code of Practice. Something went wrong, please try again later. Members of this family were jailed for plotting a revenge shooting. There is great difficulty in persuading witnesses to come forward because of brutal reprisals and intimidation. Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Ed Small, said: The streets of Newcastle are no place for a gun fight and those involved in this incident deserve the lengthy prison sentences handed to them today. Sophie Doughty. Gangster cleared of ordering shooting of bouncer after his son was But they have prevented rivals from encroaching on their territory through the use of violence and their contacts with the local community. The link to Stephens books www.badboysbooks.netStephan sayers Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesayers/Stephen sayers website www.thesayers.co.ukMy social media links http://instagram.com/jamesenglish2http://twitter.com/jamesenglish0http://Facebook.com/Jamesenglish11You can also listen \u0026 download full Podcasts at the link below.https://jamesenglish.podbean.com/https://itunes.apple.com/ 18:00, 16 OCT 2016. The family first gained notoriety in May 1977, when Osar Arif was acquitted of the murder of a guard during a security van robbery in which pounds 103,000 was stolen. But more and more gangs are getting involved in currency counterfeiting, firearms smuggling and money laundering. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. 1928-1966. Their enquiries quickly uncovered a second shooting had taken place just hours before the teenager was injured where a car belonging to the Tams family had been damaged by a gunshot. Their father was shot in the throat at close range as he sat drinking in a Quayside pub in 1995 and survived by driving to hospital. Three members of the Lamb family used swords and a bayonet to inflict devastating injuries on a rival. Their associates Barry Lynn, 40, and Leon Haq, 39, were also each sentenced to ten years behind bars following the violent attack in Elswick, Newcastle. Although predictions that Britain was going to face an American-style "invasion" by West Indian gangsters has proved unfounded, in recent years the police have reported an upsurge in violent Yardie drug wars. Kerry, Charlotte and Thomas Tams have been jailed for a total of more than 15 . Along with his brothers, John Henry and Michael, he has a reputation as one of Britains most feared criminals. The producers said they thought it was a great idea and they wanted me to write a fictionalised version. A court was told how the shooting sparked a Northumbria Police investigation into the familys violent feud with Kenneth Thompson. Who they are: Chinese gangsters, originally from Hong Kong and South- East Asia. Power rating: recent outbreaks of killings between rival drug gangs in Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool illustrate their willingness to revert to violence. In another chat, Masterpasser asked Nixon about an AK47 weapon, the court heard. These criminal clans worked together to commit serious offences, which landed many of them behind bars. He was big, but a lot of it was all steroids and not a lot of power. In March 1994 a cocaine dealer shot two unarmed policemen - in the back and in the leg - as they carried out a routine check in a south London street. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Thomas Tams, 61, of Bishops Road, Benwell, was jailed for six-and-a-half years. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. I was brought-up to keep a low profile. For this reason he decided to experiment with steroids and ballooned from 14 stone to 18 stone. Please report any comments that break our rules. Stephen Sayers lifts the lid on what life is really like at the centre of one of Newcastles most notorious families in a new book, Get the latest news from Newcastle straight to your inbox. His big break came when he impressed a local underground boss by beating up one of the well known, big time gangsters and was then moved to work in the city centre. Gun crime in our region is thankfully very rare but when it does happen this case shows those involved will be held accountable and put behind bars.. Stephen speaks about growing up as a Sayers and living up to the reputation the name carries. I just realised one day this is a waste of a life.. Feb 21, 2016. Standing alongside his brothers and cousins in vicious street fights and feuds with rival gangs, they've been linked to multi-million pound armed robberies, extortion, unsolved gangland murders and protection rackets. 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Police believe between pounds 2.5bn and pounds 4bn of criminally generated money is entering the UK financial system each year. Britain does not have a "Mr Big", or single national organisation that controls the distribution of drugs, with gang members in every city and an interest in every major scam. But despite the glum predictions, British police have as yet found no evidence to suggest that Britain is likely to be overwhelmed by gangs or run by a "godfather" figure. John Brennan, detective sergeant of the South-East Regional Crime Squad and one of the country's leading experts on Yardies, says that the Jamaican gangs now control most of the supply of crack cocaine in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds and Bristol. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Where Is Paddy Conroy Newcastle Now? Gangster Attempted Murder Charges Vincent Palermo, "Vinny Ocean" (born 1944) Angelo Prisco, "The Horn" (born 1939) Marco Reginelli (Philadelphia family member based in South Jersey) (1897-1956) Giovanni Riggi, "John the Eagle" (1925-2015) Nicodemo Scarfo, "Little Nicky" (Philadelphia family member based in Atlantic City) (1929-2017) All of my sentences were excessive, he said. But theres a lot of humour as well. Paddy Conroy- Newcastle, UK - IRISHORGANISEDCRIMEFORUM Members of notorious North-East crime family jailed for shooting He wanted one last fight, but soon died in the arms of his friend (who happened to own The Queens Head). Go here for the latest crime news and breaking North East police updates. He was my friend. There are also concerns about their increasing use of witness intimidation. Political groups, Dev Sol and PKK, have become involved in criminal activities to bankroll terrorism. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Guest blog writer - Rob Armstrong - Highlights PR But the most recent threat to Britain, according to both police and NCIS, are criminals from the former Soviet Union. Supposedly, professionals were hired to carry out the shooting. They were all convicted by a jury following a trial and Kerry was jailed for six years, Thomas for six-and-a-half years and Charlotte was handed a three year sentence. John Henry was jailed for 15 years after a violent 350,000 robbery on the Pritchards security firm, in Gateshead, in 1989. The break-up of the USSR, they argue, has resulted in weakened or non-existent border checks and a gradual decline in law and order. Rob Armstrong is a successful businessman and entrepreneur from Newcastle. Who they are: often inaccurate term used to describe drug dealers with links to the Caribbean, in particular Jamaica. His big break came when he impressed a local underground boss by beating up one of the well known, big time gangsters and was then moved to work in the city centre. What this really meant was that he sat at home not doing much while he got his heavies to deal with the actual problems. Not well liked by others who were involved in organised crime who thought they could own the doors better. L-R: Edward Lennie and Tony Sayers who have written a book called 'A Breed Apart' - Pictured with Stephen Sayers (centre) (Image: Newcastle Chronicle) It is a name that can . Paddy Conroy, 42, was found guilty of abducting and torturing a. suspected member of another gang in Newcastle's tough West End. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Get Conroy is about Paddy Conroy who is trying to blame the Sayers family for murders the have . The final sanction used by Triads against anyone who fails to pay is to be chopped with a 14in beef knife. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, Caution: you are about to enter gangland Britain, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Get up to 10% off using the Booking.com app, 50 off over 650 using this Expedia discount code, $6 off a $50+ order with this AliExpress discount code, 10% off selected product with this eBay voucher code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK April 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this April, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. Nixon was jailed for 15 years, Daniel Tait got 11 years, Thomas Tait Snr was locked up for five years and three months and Thomas Tait Jnr got four years. Mr Sayers said it was a fight everyone wanted to see and goes down as one of the biggest fights that never happened. In one, Andrew McLaughlin, 31, opened his door to an unknown man who blasted him with a shotgun. The shooting was followed by three more in the area in as many days. Three members of the same family are today behind bars after being Particularly from the former Soviet Union. His size and boxing skills made him an excellent insurance policy against the thugs and drug dealers who at the time polluted the pubs and clubs scene. Something went wrong, please try again later. Theres a lot of hardworking people in our family. Tyneside gangster Stephen Sayers lifts the lid on the fight organised between Teesside hardman Duffy and his Newcastle rival Viv Graham These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. Tucker's eldest son, Steven (or Finney, as everyone calls him) couldn't care less. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Police believe that with the increase in the crack cocaine market, the Yardies are the group most likely to push the police into arming themselves more widely. The Two Gangster Families Who Battled For Control Of Newcastle As always you can unsubscribe at any time. A court was told how the shooting sparked a Northumbria Police investigation into the family's violent feud with Kenneth Thompson. The groups also control many pubs and clubs. Sections of some Loyalist groups are involved in drug dealing, but the IRA refuses to handle drugs. Every city has its own gangs, although so far no gang or family has occupied such a powerful position as the legendary Krays (although even they failed to extend their influence much beyond south London). THREE members of a notorious crime family are behind bars after being convicted of plotting to shoot a teenage rival. Graham, who provided security at many of the citys pubs and nightclubs, made the mistake of excluding drug dealers from the premises he oversaw. Paul Basey, 50, was jailed for four years (Picture: NCJ) Grainy CCTV footage captured the moment officers stormed inside a house in the west end of the city as they carried out raids on the gang . It is said that one of these had connections with the West End crime family, and, because of a dare one drunken night, they plan Viv's demise which they name 'Viv no more for '94'. The vast majority - 227 - are in the South-east, mainly London, with roughly equal numbers in the North- east (47), and the North-west (45), and half as many in the South-west (22), and the Midlands (25). Nixon, 28, of Chase Meadows in Blyth and all three Taits pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. In Scotland in the past six months rival drug factions fighting for their share of a business worth pounds 10m a year have carried out a number of killings and attacks in the Paisley area of Glasgow. Viv first started to make a name for himself as a bouncer on the rural outskirts of the city (Newcastle), he unwittingly became involved in the lifestyle of disorganised crime. But we do have an increasingly violent and sophisticated number of organised outfits. Caution: you are about to enter gangland Britain - The Independent Det Chief Insp Paul Woods, from Northumbria Polices Priority and Organised Crime Team, said: "The Taits thought they were untouchable but thanks to the hard work and unrelenting efforts of our officers and staff, their illicit business has been dismantled and our communities already made safer.". There is some evidence that the Triad gangs are hiring the Vietnamese to carry out violent hits and high-risk jobs. The leader of a group of black gangsters dies in a hail of bullets fired by three rivals as he attempts to leave a London drugs den. Since the late Seventies, as new ethnic communities established themselves in Britain, a different type of organised criminal has emerged. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. Families make up the core of gangs, which have a strong regional identity. I wont ever escape the reputation but its time to move on and I want a new life now. Bernard OMahoneys Fog on the Tyne novel on Newcastles criminal underbelly with tales of murder, robbery and torture is to be adapted for Channel 4, Get the latest news from Newcastle straight to your inbox. I would class him as a warrior. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. The National Criminal Intelligence Service has reported an increase in Mafia-related activities in the UK in the past five years, particularly in London. With help of publisher Steve Wraith their book "A Breed Apart" will chronicle Newcastle in a way that many have never heard or seen. Bernies book will be adapted for the eight-part drama named Once Upon A Tyne which is being produced by Revelation Films Limited. And the long stretches he has spent behind bars and away from his family remain his biggest regret. Gone are days of the working-class mobsters, ruling with a razor blade and an iron fist. He was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter. In September Thomass ex-partner, Mary Egan ,48, who had always denied her role in the conspiracy, was found guilty and jailed. British firms (organised crime) - Wikipedia The fingerprints of Daniel Tait and Thomas Tait Jnr were found on the cocaine packaging. Its only because God was on our side. Lynn, of Colby Court, Benwell, was jailed for 10 years. Triads use intimidation, and the inbred fear of their organisation to prevent members of the Chinese community from informing against them. Almost all organised crime in the UK is bound up in the control and supply of drugs. Members of the Japanese organised crime Boryokudan ("group of violence"). In May, David Ungi, 36, died under a hail of bullets after his car was blocked by a black VW Golf at a crossroads in Liverpool. And by the 1990s they were one of the most feared family in Newcastle. A father-of-four, he believes the stigma of his family name has landed himself and his brothers with what he regards as excessive sentences. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. How the Sayers built a reputation as the North East's most notorious family Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? He said: For 20 odd years I have kept quiet. These includes the Hell's Angels, who have 12 chapters in the UK - an estimated 250 members, involved in firearms, drug trafficking, car theft and extortion. The gang organised for Kerry Tams to drive Lynn and Haq to Bentinck Street to carry out a shooting. Working his way up through the tough business world from an even tougher upbringing in a part of the city suffering from severe social depravation, Rob now has some of the most widely respected and successful businesses in the North East. And its all true. He stored some drugs at the home of his father and used his father to drive him around. West End Foodbank reports busiest month in 10-year history amid city's 'staggering' need for help, The West End Foodbank handed out more food parcels in March than in any other month since it launched in 2013, What's the best North East pub? Only a small number of "cells" in operation, comprising about 50 people, mainly in London. Thats one of my only regrets. Another well-known London crime family is the Clerkenwell crime syndicate in Islington, also known as the 'Adams family'. In our case if we get convicted we are not going to be treated the same as anybody else. this plan was realised, as on New Years Eve 1993, just as Viv was leaving The Queens Head, three shots echoed into the night. Power rating: Yardies are distinguished by their readiness to use extreme violence and firearms. Kerry, Charlotte and Thomas Tams have been jailed for more than 15 years after a teenager was shot in the leg during the summer of 2019. This is modern gangland Britain. In Newcastle the fierce rivalry between different groups of bouncers has led to a number of shootings. Only the terrorist groups in Northern Ireland have had the fire and manpower along with the willingness to use extreme violence to prevent any significant encroachment of newer gangs. Leroy Smith, who was convicted in February of attempted murder, had boasted to his girlfriend: "Those two deserved to get it. Spookily, Viv predicted his own demise by telling a close friend 'I'll not see 40'. 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