Dave Courtney, Former London gangster-turned-actor has died at the age of 64.
Mr Courtney, who claimed to be an associate of the notorious Kray twins, was found dead at his home on Chestnut Rise, Plumstead, in the early hours of Sunday.
Who was Dave Courtney?
Dave Courtney in full, David John Courtney was an English self-proclaimed gangster who became both an author and an actor.
Author Bernard O’Mahoney and Frankie Fraser, a former member of the Richardson Gang, accused Courtney of embellishing and fabricating his criminal record and position in the underworld; however, Courtney denied overstating his past.
Dave Courtney Bio
Dave Courtney was born in Bermondsey, London. He went to Adamsrill primary school in Sydenham, South East London.
Courtney often focused on his links with gangsters such as Reggie Kray and Lenny McLean, although he was nine years old when Kray was imprisoned.
Courtney has claimed to have been shot, stabbed, had his nose bitten off, and stated that he has had to kill to stay alive.
He made the claim that his involvement in a car crash on the M20 was an attempt by “someone who had a grudge against him” to kill him.
Courtney often referred to himself as Dave Courtney OBE, the suffix standing for One Big Ego.
His house in Plumstead, called Camelot Castle, was decorated with Union Jack flags and the cross of St George, a painted depiction of himself as a knight and a large knuckle duster.
Courtney claimed to have been involved in debt-collecting, minding clubs, assault, contraband, and murder.
He also claimed he has spent time in Belmarsh Prison as a high security prisoner, which has been backed up by ex-prison guard Jim Dawkins in his book The Loose Screw.
In his book F**k the Ride, Courtney claims to have been found not guilty in 19 separate trials.
Dave Courtney Death
On 22 October 2023, Courtney was found dead at his home in Plumstead. He was 64.
Dave Courtney Cause of death
A post announcing his death on his Instagram account said Dave Courtney “took his own life”.
It reads: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Courtney at the age of 64. Dave tragically took his own life in the early hours of Sunday 22nd October, with a firearm at his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead. Details about funeral arrangements will be provided in due course. His family ask for respect during this period of mourning.”
Met Police say they were called to an address on Chestnut Rise in Plumstead at around 11:25am today (22 October), after reports of a man found dead.
A 64-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, with the death being treated as unexpected and under investigation.
Today tributes for the much-loved gangster have poured in on social media.
Writer and author Rocky Troiani said on social media: ‘This is a post I never thought I would be writing. The loss of Dave Courtney is beyond words so heartbreaking to write.
‘Dave had been a close friend for many years as well as a great support for my charity work as photo shows here and even for a little sick girl just couple years ago dressed a father Christmas.
‘Dave had a heart of pure gold and would help anyone that genuinely needed it. I will miss my Christmas eve call this year. Such a sad loss and one that has broken many hearts too. God bless you sir you will be so sadly missed.’
Former boxer Ben Doughty was taken in by Courtney in 2016 when he ‘pretty much lost everything’. He posted an emotional tribute to his friend alongside a black and white photo of the pair standing together.
Mr Doughty wrote: ‘If I hadn’t known Dave personally, I might have taken a dim view of the whole “celebrity gangster” thing but he was a great guy with a good heart who never took himself too seriously.’
He added: ‘Dave took me in at his famous “Castle Camelot” with no questions asked. When I arrived on a Saturday morning, he gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek before saying, “If you’re Joey’s [Pyle, Courtney’s friend] then you’re MINE. And I don’t want to see anyone go hungry in my house, help yourself to anything in the fridge”.’
Heartbroken close friend Shinobi Ryder said life would not be the same without him and spoke of how he was planning to come visit Courtney.
‘A part of me is missing today,’ the web graphic designer and music artists wrote. ‘Dave is gone and my soul feels a bit empty. He was a big part of my life and family. I can’t breathe.’
Not-for-profit organisation Autistic Inclusive Meets, where Courtney had been a patron since 2020, said they were heartbroken by his death.
‘His commitment to protecting autistic and ADHD teens from peer pressure, gangs, and the lack of support was unwavering,’ they wrote on their Facebook page. ‘We’re proud to have had him as our patron, and his absence is devastating.
‘Our condolences go out to Dave’s loved ones. He was adored by our attendees, and his legacy is a huge part of AIM. We’ll miss him deeply.’
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