James (Jimmy) Boyle

1944 -

Gangster, murderer, artist and author. Born in the Glasgow Gorbals, the son of a well-known robber. Boyle began his career in petty crime before becoming a member of a dangerous Glasgow gang. He gained a reputation as 'Scotland's Most Violent Man', was involved in various serious assaults and was eventually found guilty of murder and imprisoned for life. Arrested spectacularly in a London pub in 1967, he was sent to the new 'Special Unit' in Barlinnie Prison (1973) which specialised in rehabilitation. Boyle responded to this regime and became an accomplished sculptor and went on to write his autobiography, A Sense of Freedom (1977). He was later released and now works with young offenders.

Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry