Dave Courtney's foul-mouthed message to Google Earth on roof of his house

23 October 2023 , 13:54

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David Courtney poses for photos outside his house 'Camelot Castle' in Plumstead (Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga)

Dave Courtney, a notorious East End gangster who led an "incredible, colourful, rock 'n' roll life", has died at the age of 64.

The ex-criminal was famously affiliated with London hardmen the Kray twins, Roy Shaw and Lenny McLean. He was also rumoured to be 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" at his home in Chestnut Rise, Plumstead. His family has since paid tribute, saying he decided to "stop the ride", referring to the title of his autobiography 'Stop The Ride, I Want To Get Off'.

They said he had been suffering from the pain of cancer and arthritis in his later years, which "became too much". Metropolitan Police officers are treating the death as unexpected, after being called to his address at 11.25am yesterday.

Courtney outside his home in front of a mural (Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)

Courtney was the proud owner of Camelot Castle, a sprawling white mansion with guns, swords and suits of armour - apparently fake - which he showed to MyLondon around a year before his death. The 'castle' 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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Once a former school, the home appears quite distinct from other properties on the residential street where it is located - but that's not the only reason it stands out. A unique feature of the mansion can be found on its roof, which is inscribed with the words: "What are you f***in lookin' at", and is even visible on Google Maps.

Meanwhile, the interior is decorated with gold lion paintings and Union Jacks, as well as a sniper statue and a replica of King Arthur's Sword in the Stone. A fake blue plaque reads: "David J Courtney born 17.2.1959 amusing raconteur, prolific author and infamous f***er resides here."

A unique feature of Courtney's mansion can be found on its roof, which is inscribed with the words: "What are you f***in lookin' at" (Google Earth)

The back of the mansion boasts a jacuzzi, its own nightclub - which is also used as a cinema - and a 'dungeon' where he says adult films are made and which underwear brands use for modelling. A mural can even be found outside depicting him and his gangster "friends" as knights of the round table.

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."

Just Saturday, Courtney paid a hospitality visit to Charlton Athletic (Facebook)

He posted photos of the visit to Facebook (Facebook)

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.

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.

Following his death, his family posted a statement on Twitter, saying: "On October 22 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."

Courtney gave MyLondon a tour of his home around a year before his death (Facundo Arrizabalaga)

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.

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"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 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." 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.

"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

Katie Weston