Dave Courtney's pal shares ex-gangster's last words before he took his own life

23 October 2023 , 19:06

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Dave Courtney was found dead at his home in London (Image: FilmMagic)

The final words of reformed gangster Dave Courtney have been revealed by his lodger and lifelong best friend.

The 64-year-old, who was famously affiliated with London hardmen the Kray brothers, was found dead on Sunday morning at his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead, southeast London. he is claimed to have taken his own life.

A statement released by his family today recalled the title of his autobiography "Stop The Ride, I Want To Get Off" as they addressed his decision to die. They claimed Dave 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.

Brendan McGirr, 57, who discovered the body said the the ex-gangster had watched England loss to South Africa in the rugby World Cup semi-final on Saturday night before going to bed. Brendan had lived with Dave for 32 years and told the MailOnline that he "went out rock 'n' roll style." He claimed that his last words to him were a about England's last minute loss, telling his friend "that's typical, I'm going to bed".

Dave posted this photo of himself visiting Charlton Athletic the day before his body was found (Facebook)

His grieving family said Dave didn't want to be a 'burden' (James Shaw/REX/Shutterstock)

He said: "Dave watched the rugby with me, we both had a chuckle about England losing in the last minute as usual. I said to him I'm off to bed and he said I'm off to bed too and that was the last thing he said to me." Brendan found his body the next morning and described him "at total peace".

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He also admitted that Dave was in "exceptional pain" and so "forgave" him for what he did, commending what he called his "bravery". Earlier on in the day, Dave had enjoyed a day supporting his favourite football club and was pictured watching Charlton Athletic FC on Saturday in what he described as a "cool, cool day".

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."

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.

Steven White