23 October 2023 , 08:17
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A neighbour has told of the last time she spoke to notorious East End gangster Dave Courtney, who was found dead at his home in the early hours of Sunday.
The 64-year-old was famously affiliated with London hardmen the Kray twins, Roy Shaw and Lenny McLean. The former hardman had also claimed he was the inspiration behind Vinnie Jones' character in the cult movie Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Last night, a statement was released on his social media saying he had "taken his own life with a firearm" It read: "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." Metropolitan Police officers were called to the address at 11.25am, and say a 64-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. The death is under investigation and being treated as unexpected.
Courtney posing for photos at his 'Camelot Castle' mansion (Facundo Arrizabalaga)Courtney was the proud owner of Camelot Castle, a sprawling white mansion with guns, swords and suits of armour - apparently fake - which he once showed to MyLondon. The 'castle' even included a bust of his own head and paintings of him, such as one where he has angel wings and a halo in the front room.
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His tearful neighbour, Sheila Wellcome, recalled seeing and chatting to him shortly before his death. The 68-year-old told The Sun: “I saw Dave at around 8pm. We knew Dave was in a lot of pain from terrible arthritis. He could barely roll a cigarette. But he seemed in good spirits. I passed him a cigarette over the wall and he was laughing and joking."
Just Saturday, Courtney posted on Facebook after a hospitality visit to Charlton Athletic. He wrote: "At Charlton today. Full works today three course meal and our man James company is Sponser for the game. Billingham communications ......... an wat a cool cool day it's all turning out to be."
The Bermondsey-born Plumstead resident first became infamous as a debt collector, who often wore a brutal knuckle-duster. Courtney claimed to have been found not guilty in a whopping 19 different trials - but was once convicted of possessing live ammunition in January 2009.
Just Saturday, Courtney paid a hospitality visit to Charlton Athletic (Facebook)
He posted photos of the visit to Facebook (Facebook)He also laid claim to having arranged the security for Ronnie Kray's funeral in 1995 - despite only being 9 when one of the UK's most notorious criminal double acts were locked up. Throughout an eventful criminal career Courtney claims to have been shot, stabbed and had his nose nearly bitten off before it was sewed back on.
The hard-nosed criminal later turned to acting when he assumed roles in a number of low-budget London gangster films - including Hell To Pay which he produced, directed and starred in. He acted in other films including Six Bend Trapp, Clubbing to Death and The Dead Sleep Easy.
Paying tribute to his friend, 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." A friend of Courtney's, Manny Clark, wrote on Facebook: "My heart goes out to his family, especially his poor Mum who is in her 90s and Davey boy was her world."
Courtney riding around Cannes on his Harley Davidson motorbike (Press Association)Internet celebrity Castillo simply wrote: "RIP Dave Courtney, legend brav". Author Martin Knight also paid tribute, tweeting: "I interviewed Dave Courtney at his interesting home some months ago in connection with a book I was working on. He was eccentric, charming & very funny. Shocked & saddened to hear the tragic news today."
MyLondon was previously taken on a tour of Dave's sprawling mansion, during which he said: "I have got this ego. I can’t deny it. I’m an entertainer. It's more important to me than anything criminal." He often referred to himself as Dave Courtney OBE - standing not for Order of the British Empire, but for One Big Ego.
"It states in the law books it becomes an offence to call yourself an OBE if you don’t own one. But I do own one. My own friends ask what was the Queen like!" Courtney said at the time. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "Police were called at about 11:25hrs on Sunday, 22 October to a residential address on Chestnut Rise, SE18 following reports of a man found deceased.
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"Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. A 64-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed. Formal identification has not taken place. The death is currently being treated as unexpected and is under investigation. There have been no arrests."
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch