Gripper Stebson

Norman "Gripper" Stebson was a villain who appeared in the series Grange Hill from 1981 to 1983, and served somewhat as the primary antagonist during his reign in the series. He is played by Mark Savage.

Series 5
Gripper began picking on a new kid at Grange Hill named Roland Browning, mostly because Roland was overweight and shy with no friends. Gripper had picked on Roland during the series, making him give him money and humiliating him. When discovering that Roland was receiving help from a Councillor for his problems, Gripper revealed the secret to Roland's class by writing it up on the blackboard when Roland had refused to give Gripper more money and tried to fight him in the toilets without success. Gripper was unable to torment Roland further during series 5 due to Roland being hospitalised after being knocked down by a van.

Series 6
After Roland was released from hospital Gripper wasted no time in tormenting him again and demanding money. However Gripper began to let up on Roland when picking out a new target, a Muslim boy who became a student at Grange Hill and shared a class with Gripper. Gripper took a hatred towards non-whites, and began gathering white students to join his cause against the blacks.

In the end Gripper was expelled from the school after leading a race war, and attacking a female student.

Series 7
Gripper reformed himself after leaving Grange Hill and got a job working for a butcher. His bike was stolen by a new school bully, however he had gotten it back. Although Gripper had briefly crossed paths with his former victim Roland, Gripper didn't seem to acknowledge his presence and didn't bother him.

Trivia

 * Actor Mark Savage had received abuse and death threats due to his portrayal of Gripper.