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Paul Massey (7 January 1960 – 26 July 2015), nicknamed Mr. Big, was an English criminal and Salford-based businessman. He was gunned down outside his home by an unknown assailant on 26 July 2015.
Contents
- Early life
- Criminal career
- Conviction and imprisonment
- Mediator
- Mayoral campaign
- Death
- Aftermath
- Personal
- References
Early life
Massey was born and brought up in Ordsall, Salford, by his mother Rose Massey and father John Massey, one of six children. When Massey was 12, he was arrested for criminal damage and sent to approved school.
Criminal career
In the 1990s, Massey established several security companies. Through these businesses, he and his gang were able to control the doors of several Manchester-area nightclubs. At the time of his death, the regional organised crime squad was investigating Massey over allegations of money-laundering. In March 2015, after three years, authorities lifted Massey's bail restrictions.
Conviction and imprisonment
In 1999, Massey was sentenced to 14 years in prison for stabbing a man in the groin.
Mediator
Several media outlets reported that Massey served as an important mediator between rival firms in the Greater Manchester.
Mayoral campaign
In 2012, following his 2007 release from Frankland Prison, Massey announced he was running for mayor of Salford. Massey finished seventh out of ten candidates.
Death
On 26 July 2015, Massey was shot dead outside his home on Manchester Road, Clifton by a lone gunman. The killer was reported to have been wearing military style fatigues and carried a weapon "similar to a sub machine gun." The Greater Manchester Police have offered a £50,000 reward for information pertaining to the killing of Massey. He was aged 55.
Aftermath
Authorities in the Manchester area fear an escalation in gang-violence related to Massey's death. Manchester police believe that the shooting of 29-year-old woman and her seven-year-old son was linked to retribution for the Massey killing. From January–December 2015, there were 19 shootings in Salford.
Personal
Massey was giving the nickname "Mr. Big" by city councillor Joe Burrows during a meeting in 1992 held to address ongoing civil disturbances in Salford.
Massey had five children and eight grandchildren.