Published: 25 April, 2013
by PETER GRUNER

ONE of the biggest underworld funerals ever with up to 30 limos – and including mourners from Camden – took place on Tuesday in neighbouring Angel, Islington.

The procession, which began at St Peter’s Italian church in Clerkenwell, was the send-off for George Adams whose son Terry is said to have links with a gangland family in London known variously as the A-team or the Clerkenwell Crime Syndicate.

The service was conducted at St John’s Catholic church in Duncan Terrace by Father Carmelo.

The family are believed to have run clubs in Camden. In 2007 Terry, who was brought up on the Barnsbury estate in Islington, was jailed for seven years for money laundering.

A veteran court journalist said they were a well known family with their fingers in many pies. “They had an uncle who lived in Warden Road, Kentish Town, who died a few years ago. They also owned several pubs,” he added. 

“I never met George but I saw Terry when one of his minders, who was later acquitted, was in court over an incident.

“Terry always looked and dressed like a gentleman. He knew his way about and always kept a low profile.”

London Mayor Boris Johnson was embroiled in the procession because he lives close to the church where the service was held.

Residents were asked to move vehicles and parking was suspended for the event but Mr Johnson’s vehicle remained outside his home.

He was fined £65 by the council but the ticket was later rescinded.

Islington Labour Councillor Martin Klute said: “The procession was an extraordinary site. I’ve never seen so many black stretch limos in all my life. The whole thing was led by a horse-drawn carriage.”