Viv Graham

Who was Viv Graham?

Viv Graham was a British mobster and former amateur heavyweight boxer, who spent his formative years in Rowlands Gill, a village on the outskirts of the Tyneside conurbation. Operating an empire of pub and nightclub doormen, he acted as a protector for various licensed premises, particularly in Newcastle’s East End and in the Wallsend area. Graham was a reputed organized crime figure in the Newcastle underworld, and he was involved in extortion and racketeering activities, although his services were known to have been in great demand.

A well known "hardman" with an intimidating presence, Graham earned an huge reputation as a violent criminal, particularly after an incident in which a rival doorman, was severely assaulted by Graham, following an altercation at Hobo's nightclub in Newcastle. The fight was later revealed to have been recorded on CCTV, and Graham can be seen delivering multiple debilitating punches to Watson, and throwing the 17 stone doorman around the reception area of the nightclub as if he were a 'rag doll'. This incident resulted in Graham's conviction and a three year prison sentence, in spite of the victim refusing to give evidence against Graham.