Dave Courtney, the former East End gangster who later pursued a career in acting, has passed away 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.
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, Dave Courtney was found dead at his home in Plumstead. He was 64.
Dave Courtney Age
Dave Courtney died at the age of 64 on October 22, 2023. He was born on February 17, 1959 in Bermondsey, London.
Dave Courtney Wife
Courtney was married to Jennifer Lucrea Pinto, also known as JennyBean, who was a rap artist.
They met in 1989 at a club he owned, where she and her sister were performing. Their marriage ended in 2004.
Dave Courtney Children
Courtney had two children, both daughters, from his marriage with Jennifer Lucrea Pinto, also known as JennyBean.
Their names are Courtney Courtney and Lillie Eliza Berry. Courtney Courtney was born in 1991 and Lillie Eliza Berry was born in 1994.
Dave Courtney Parents
Courtney’s parents were Patrick W J Courtney and Teresa Courtney.
They lived in Bermondsey, London, where Dave was born in 1959. Not much is known about their personal or professional lives.
Dave Courtney Siblings
Dave Courtney had a brother named Patrick Courtney, but not much is known about him.
He was seen at the funerals of Charlie and Reggie Kray, who were Dave’s associates in the London underworld.
Dave Courtney Family
Dave Courtney had the following family members:
Father: Patrick W J Courtney.
Mother: Teresa Courtney.
Ex-wife: Jennifer Lucrea Pinto, also known as JennyBean.
Daughters: Courtney Courtney and Lillie Eliza Berry.
Brother: Patrick Courtney.
Dave Courtney Net worth
His net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million.
He earned most of his income from his books, movies, and TV shows, where he shared his stories and experiences from his life of crime.
Dave Courtney Cause of death
On 22 October 2023, Courtney was found dead at his home in Plumstead. He was 64.
A post announcing his death on his Instagram account said Mr Courtney “took his own life”.
It said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Courtney at the age of 64.”
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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