George Pearson

George Pearson, aka "Gripper", was the leader of a group of London bullies hired by Percival Bowe in order to terrorize Mrs Winn into selling her home. He had decided to drive to Chapelvale in an automobile, which the thugs had stolen, rather than ride the train, in order to save the train fare money.

Gripper was a mean-spirited, sadistic, and violent individual. Gripper did not hesitate to insult a farmer in Church Haven, and even threaten to beat what he thought to be an old man in Chapelvale. He would also regularly insult and beat members of his own gang. During their trip from London to Chapelvale he would hit Flash often and told Chunk to punch Chaz in the nose because Chaz was sniggering.

Even though he had trouble reading maps and following directions and got his gang lost on the way to the village, Gripper loved to pretend he was smart in front of his gang members and impress them. However Gripper was still very cunning and knew how to trick and old lady into believing they were messgers of the Queen.

Gripper and his gang eventually fell into a trap set by Constable Judmann and Neb and were arrested for the theft of Colonel Busby Hythe Simmons. After being interrogated the thugs confessed they had been hired by Maud's father.