Peterborough man to appear in new film starring Vinnie Jones as his father

Left to right: Vinney's brother Paddy, Bernard O'Mahoney, Vinney and Vinnie Jones

Rise of The Footsoldier: Origins is the fifth and final installment of the Rise of the Foot Soldier franchise, which started in 2007.

The film is set in the 90s and focuses on the origins of the gang known as the Essex Boys, which included Tony Tucker, Patrick Tate, Craig Rolfe and Vinney’s father, Bernard O’Mahoney. Former professional footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones is the standout name on the cast list and plays the role of Bernard.

At the time, Bernard was involved in security at raves in East London and at a nightclub called Raquels. The club, in Basildon, became known as the most violent club in Europe and Bernard, with the say-so of Reggie Kray, went on to run the club alongside Tucker.

Vinney with Craig Fairbrass (Pat Tate) and Josh Myers (Kenny, a doorman)

Tucker, Tate and Rolfe all had reputations as drug dealers and were shot dead in 1995, catapulting the gang into national headlines. The case became known as the Rettendon murders, named after the village the shootings took place in.

Bernard was in fact the first person arrested as part of the Police’s ‘Operation Century’ given that he had fallen out with his three former associates, a week before they were killed, due to their involvement with drugs.

He was released without charge and in 1998, Jack Whomes and Michael Steele were jailed for life for the murders. Bernard has since written a number of books about his colourful past aswell as others about true crime. His latest book ‘Salford Lads’ comes out in December and focuses on the rise and fall of gangster Paul Massey, who was shot dead in 2015.

Peterborough was one of the places Bernard moved to in order to make a fresh start, moving to Stanground in 1999 and Market Deeping in 2005.

Vinney with his children Micky and Alannah

His son Vinney (33) currently lives in Eye and owns his own wall and floor tiling business. The pair made the headlines in 2016, when they bravely disarmed a man threatening staff at Park Medical Centre with two knives.

Brave father and son praised after disarming man brandishing large knives in Peterborough medical centre

Viewers may be able to spot Vinney on-screen as he appears in the film as an extra and got the chance to meet Vinnie Jones.

Bernard O'Mahoney and Vinnie Jones outside a mock-up of nightclub Raquels

He said: “It’s been great, I’ve met him several times and he’s a really nice down to earth bloke. I’ve been a fan of his since his playing days and I was a bit star struck.

“The whole family are over the moon, it’s surreal, this kind of thing just doesn’t happen.

“I don’t remember much from that time in great detail, although I do remember being taken home from school by the Police one day. I just knew you didn’t mess with my dad.

“We also helped out behind the scenes as dad had some autopsy photos and the people there really went above and beyond for us and gave us the star treatment.”

Filming was completed last week and the expected release date is around Easter with premieres in London and Marbella, which Vinney hopes to attend, along with his children Micky and Alannah.