Godfather Colin Gunn used Facebook to run empire from jail (UK)

Times Online (UK) ^ | 1/31/10 | Daniel Foggo and Carl Fellstrom

[exbrit]

ONE of Britain’s most dangerous gangsters has been using Facebook to threaten and intimidate his enemies from a maximum security prison. Colin Gunn, an underworld godfather who ordered the execution of two grandparents, has been able to correspond freely with up to 565 “friends” on the social networking site for the past two months. Gunn, a “double-A” category inmate who is serving a 35-year sentence for conspiracy to murder, is said to be still running his drugs and organised crime cartel from jail. He claims he was allowed to set up a Facebook account by prison governors, suggesting it was his legal right. Critics believe the authorities may have turned a blind eye out of fear of receiving a legal challenge on human rights grounds. In one posting, Gunn, 42, said: “I will be home one day and I can’t wait to look into certain people’s eyes and see the fear of me being there.” In another message he wrote: “It’s good to have an outlet to let you know how I am, some of you will be in for a good slagging, some have let me down badly, and will be named and shamed, f****** rats.” Gunn’s criminal empire in Nottingham was one of the main reasons why it became known as “assassination city”. His site, which he appears to have been able to update on a daily basis, was shut down on Friday after The Sunday Times raised the alarm. Jack Straw, the justice secretary, said he will crack down on Facebook use by prisoners. His department insists social networking sites are prohibited in jail and Gunn had not received permission to run an account. He is the latest — albeit the most dangerous — offender caught posting comments.

[exbrit]

Article continues "Last week it emerged that Jade Braithwaite, jailed for knifing to death Ben Kinsella, 16, used Facebook to taunt his victim’s family."

Crime pays, violent offenders coddled in socialist UK

[sinanju]

Golly, I understand that, over here, access to the internet is expressly forbidden to cons.

[ketelone]

Pff. This pansy wouldnt last a week in an American prison.

[RichInOC]

“Colin Gunn wants you to join their gang.”

[BobL]

“Golly, I understand that, over here, access to the internet is expressly forbidden to cons.”

It appears that England is well beyond that point...instead it’s just certain sites that the crooks are not allowed to visit...kind of like going to work.

[Borges]

I wouldn’t confirm his Friend Request!

[Alter Kaker]

This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard of - police can just look at his facebook friends to ID all his associates.

[J40000]

“Godfather... I need you to ‘friend’ me and help me with my ‘Farmville’ or ‘Yoville’... whatever...”

[blu]

Dang, in my jail, I’m not even allowed internet access...and I’m not even a prisoner! I’m just a “do-gooder”, who does all her internet research for the inmates at home. Now that I think about it, I’m not even allowed to bring my laptop to jail. Hmmm...maybe I should move to GB and get a job there? Why do they bother even locking those guys up, sounds like they may have it better in jail than at home.

[alexander_busek]

ONE of Britain’s most dangerous gangsters has been using Facebook to threaten and intimidate his enemies [...]

Well, to be honest, who doesn't occasionally use Facebook to threaten and intimidate his enemies?

Regards,

[deadrock]

Probably used somekind of rhyming slang.

Head down to rub-a-dub, get yourself a photo. Look for a tea and get some tom for my trouble.

EQUALS

Got to the pub have your self a Guinness(photo-finish). Look for a thief(tea-leaf) and get some jewerly(tom foolery) for my wife(trouble and strife).

[exbrit]

Blimey mate, shut the rorey it ain ‘alf taters in ‘ere, an’ take off yer titfer!

rorey o’moor - door

taters in the mold - cold

tit for tat - hat