ONE of the most feared underworld figures in Scotland yesterday met the actor who could play him in a film about his life, sparking anger from drugs activists and politicians.
Paul Ferris, a notorious Glasgow gangster and convicted gunrunner, and Robert Carlyle, one of Scotland's leading actors being lined up to play him in a [pounds]12m blockbuster, met in Glasgow as plans for the film took a step forward.
It has been reported that Ferris could earn a six-figure sum after the London-based BMG, backed by Simon Cowell, the Pop Idol creator, expressed an interest in turning the gangster's book, The Ferris Conspiracy, into a film.
However, Janet Betts, whose daughter Leah died after taking ecstasy, said: "If the film is similar to Trainspotting, which put a lot of kids off becoming involved in drugs, then it could be worthwhile. However, it would be morally wrong if it glamorises the criminal underworld."
Paul Martin, Labour MSP for Springburn, Glasgow, which has a higher than average level of violence and crime, said:
"There is no way that anyone with a very violent past should profit from that past. Film companies have a responsibility to ensure that this cannot happen.
"I intend to write to Cathy Jamieson (justice minister) and Patricia Ferguson (culture minister) to ask them to look at introducing legal measures to prevent organisations, such as film companies, being able to assist criminals in profiting from their violent past."
Carlyle, who is renowned for taking on challenging acting roles including one in Trainspotting, had no comment to make yesterday after meeting Ferris other than to say: "I am in talks about a script."
Ferris was more forthcoming however. He said: "I would like to thank certain members of Strathclyde Police for the opportunity to enhance my particular part in life."
On the question of whether a convicted criminal should be allowed to profit from his notoriety, a matter which Westminster recently took action to prevent, he said: "I'm not profiting from my life of crime. I'm profiting from my lifetime's experience. If there's anything illegal regarding that, I'm sure the relevant authorities will take appropriate action."
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