Paul Massey was a prominent figure in the Salford underworld, infamously dubbed “Mr. Big” by local councilors during a 1992 meeting regarding civil unrest. Born and raised in Salford, Greater Manchester, Massey established himself as a powerful mediator and businessman who wielded significant influence over the city’s social and criminal landscape for over three decades. His life was marked by high-profile legal battles, a 1999 prison sentence for a knife attack, a 2012 mayoral campaign, and his ultimate assassination outside his home in Clifton on July 26, 2015.
Early Life in Salford
Paul Massey grew up in the heart of Salford during a period of significant industrial change. From a young age, he was known for his charisma and a protective nature toward his local community, which earned him a reputation as a “social guardian” among some residents.
Despite his later notoriety, Massey’s early years were spent navigating the tough streets of Greater Manchester, where he formed the alliances that would define his career. He often claimed his involvement in local disputes was a way to maintain order in the absence of effective policing.
The Origin of “Mr. Big”
The moniker “Mr. Big” was first used by Salford councilors in the early 1990s during a public inquiry into riots and civil disturbances. The local government alleged that Massey had orchestrated or mitigated much of the unrest, a claim he famously disputed while simultaneously embracing the notoriety it brought.
This label catapulted Massey into the national spotlight, making him a household name in the UK. He became a symbol of the friction between traditional working-class communities and the established legal authorities of the time.
Influence on Manchester’s Nightlife
During the height of the “Madchester” era in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Massey was a central figure in the security and doors of major clubs. He was often seen as the primary peacekeeper in venues where the burgeoning rave scene met the city’s established gang culture.
His security firms were responsible for some of the most famous locations in the North West. While authorities scrutinized these businesses, Massey maintained that he was simply providing a necessary service to keep the city’s nightlife thriving and safe from outside interference.
The 1999 Conviction
In 1999, Paul Massey was sentenced to 14 years in prison for a stabbing incident outside a club in Manchester. The prosecution argued that the attack was a demonstration of his power, while Massey’s defense maintained he was protecting himself during a volatile situation.
He served nine years of this sentence before being released in 2008. His time in prison did little to diminish his influence; upon his return to Salford, he remained a key mediator in local disputes and a figure of significant social weight.
The 2012 Mayoral Campaign
In a move that shocked the political establishment, Paul Massey ran for the position of elected Mayor of Salford in 2012. Campaigning under the slogan of “peace and unity,” he promised to tackle poverty and provide better opportunities for the youth of the city.
Massey finished seventh out of ten candidates, securing nearly 2,000 votes. While he did not win, the campaign highlighted his genuine popularity among sections of the Salford public who felt disenfranchised by mainstream politics.
Practical Information and History
For researchers, students of criminology, or those interested in Salford’s social history, the following details provide a factual timeline of sites and events associated with Massey:
- Key Location: Clifton, Salford (The site of his home and the 2015 incident).
- Significant Dates: July 26 (Anniversary of his passing); May 2012 (Mayoral election).
- Legal Context: Massey was subject to numerous “Asbo” style restrictions and surveillance throughout the early 2000s.
- Public Memorials: His funeral in 2015 was one of the largest in Salford’s history, featuring a horse-drawn carriage and thousands of mourners.
- Current Status: The “Mr. Big” era is often cited in academic studies regarding “Social Bandits” and urban leadership in the UK.
The Fatal Shooting of 2015
On July 26, 2015, Paul Massey was shot dead in the driveway of his home on Manchester Road, Clifton. He had just returned from a trip to North Wales when a gunman, later identified as Mark Fellows, opened fire with a submachine gun.
The assassination sent shockwaves through the North West and sparked a massive police investigation known as Operation Rivington. The death of Massey was eventually linked to a splintering of the “A-Team” gang, a conflict that had escalated throughout 2014 and 2015.
The Trial of Mark Fellows
In 2019, Mark Fellows, known by the nickname “The Iceman,” was convicted of the murders of both Paul Massey and his associate John Kinsella. The trial revealed that Fellows had used a mountain bike to scout the location and a GPS watch to track his movements, showing a high level of premeditation.
Fellows was sentenced to a whole-life order, meaning he will never be released from prison. The trial provided a rare glimpse into the high-stakes technological warfare used by modern criminal factions in the United Kingdom.
FAQs
Who was Paul Massey?
Paul Massey was a well-known Salford businessman and mediator who was labeled “Mr. Big” by local authorities in the 1990s. He was a central figure in the city’s social and criminal history until his death in 2015.
How did Paul Massey die?
He was assassinated outside his home in Clifton, Salford, on July 26, 2015. He was shot multiple times by a gunman using a submachine gun.
Why was he called “Mr. Big”?
The name was given to him by Salford councilors during a 1992 inquiry into civil unrest, alleging he had significant control over the city’s underworld.
Who killed Paul Massey?
Mark Fellows, an assassin nicknamed “The Iceman,” was convicted of the murder in 2019. He received a whole-life sentence for the killing of Massey and John Kinsella.
Did Paul Massey go to prison?
Yes, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 1999 for a stabbing. He was released in 2008 after serving nine years.
Was Paul Massey a politician?
He ran for Mayor of Salford in 2012 as an independent candidate, finishing in seventh place.
What was the “A-Team” in Salford?
The A-Team was an organized crime group in Salford. Internal conflicts within this group and a rival faction known as the “Anti A-Team” led to the violence that claimed Massey’s life.
Where is Paul Massey buried?
He is buried at Agecroft Cemetery in Salford, following a high-profile funeral attended by thousands.
What was Paul Massey’s net worth?
While never officially confirmed, Massey operated various security and property businesses throughout his life. His financial status was a frequent subject of police investigation.
Did Paul Massey have a family?
Yes, he was a father of five and a grandfather. His family has consistently campaigned for peace in the city following his death.
For More Lifestyle Related insights click on :
Jeff Hordley: The Definitive Guide to the Emmerdale Icon
Kym Marsh Spouse: A Detailed Guide to Her Marriage History
Alexandra Fletcher: The Definitive Guide to the British Soap Icon
To read more , Brighton City News