Ex-gangster Dave Courtney 'killed himself' after horror battle, family say

23 October 2023 , 10:00

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Dave Courtney took his own life, according to his family (Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon/BPM)

Reformed gangster Dave Courtney took his own life after making the decision to "stop the ride", his family have said in an emotional statement.

The 64-year-old, who was famously affiliated with London hardmen the Kray brothers, Roy Shaw and Lenny McLean, was found dead at his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead, southeast London, yesterday. In a statement released by his family today, his loved ones recalled the title of his autobiography "Stop The Ride, I Want To Get Off" as they addressed his decision to die. They have also revealed he had both cancer and arthritis, which became "too much" in his later years - adding that he did not want to be a "burden" to his family and friends.

The former gangster had cancer, his family revealed (WireImage)

In a statement, Dave's family said he wanted to 'stop the ride' (FilmMagic)

They wrote in a statement: "On 22nd October 2023, Dave made the decision to 'stop the ride.' He had lived an incredible, colourful rock 'n' roll life in which he touched the hearts of so many. The physical pain of living the lifestyle he chose, especially due to the pain of both cancer and arthritis in his later years, became too much. So, rather than be a burden to his family and friends, he chose to 'stop the ride' and take his own way out. In his own immortal words 'stop the ride, I want to get off'."

The Metropolitan Police said they were called to an address in Plumstead at around 11:25am on Sunday after reports of a man found dead. He was pronounced dead at the scene, with the death being treated as unexpected and under investigation.

Just one day before he was found dead, he enjoyed a day supporting his favourite football club. He was pictured watching Charlton Athletic FC on Saturday in what he described as a "cool, cool day". The pictures show a grinning Courtney enjoying hospitality treatment in The Valley stadium.

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He wrote on Facebook alongside the pictures at 3.52pm on Saturday: "At Charlton today. Full works today three course meal and our man James company is sponsor for the game .... and what a cool cool day it's all turning out to be."

Courtney spent a 'cool cool day' at Charlton (Facebook)

Tributes are pouring in on social media for the 64-year-old (instagram.com/davidcourtneyobe)

One comment on the post said "Is that our Bobby Baxter there David C xx" referring to the former Brighton player, allegedly in one of the pictures. "It most certainly is x", was Courtney's response. The comments are now flooded with people expressing sorrow at his passing.

He first became infamous as a debt collector - who often wore a brutal knuckle-duster. Courtney claims he has been found not guilty in a whopping 19 different trials - but was once convicted of possessing live ammunition in January 2009. 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 produced, directed and starred in. Courtney acted in other films including Six Bend Trapp, Clubbing to Death and The Dead Sleep Easy.

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." Internet celebrity Castillo wrote simply: "RIP Dave Courtney, legend brav".

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Chiara Fiorillo