In the 1980s rumours and bogeyman-like tales swirled the Merseyside streets, with parents telling children to come inside before dark or 'Purple Aki would get them'.
The bizarre tales echoed through the northeast as the notoriety of the bodybuilder who had an affinity for young boys' muscles grew.
And while some stories would vary - key details remained the same - he was huge, he liked touching young men's muscles, and would on some occasions measure them.
It seemed like a peculiar tale born entirely from fixations surrounding sexuality and race in the 80s, with even the nickname 'Purple Aki' itself being racially charged.
Most assumed he was an urban legend, similar to the Candyman, birthed from the from whispers that ran through the bowels of northeast of England.
