DAVE Courtney was a former gangster turned author and celebrity who was an open book when it came to talking about his criminal past.
Here's everything you need to know about Courtney – who died on October 22, 2023, aged 64.
Who was Dave Courtney?
David John Courtney was born on February 17, 1959.
He made a name for himself as an English self-proclaimed former gangster, who then swapped his life of crime to become an author and celebrity.
In recent years, Courtney became known in the world of publishing and shared tales of his questionable past with Brits.
The 64-year-old told stories of the time he was shot, and even said there was a time he once had to kill to stay alive.
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During his career, Courtney published six books and then went on to star in his own film, titled Hell To Pay.
Courtney even made his debut in the world of film and TV – largely making a living from television documentaries and appearing in a number of films.
The was a storyteller and claimed to have links with notorious gangsters such as Reggie Kray and Lenny McLean – and is best known for organising security at Kray's funeral in 1995.
However, former members of the Richardson gang, Bernard O'Mahoney and Frankie Fraser, have accused Courtney of fabricating and embellishing his past criminal record – which Courtney has denied.
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On the afternoon of October 22, 2023 Courtney's family confirmed he had died.
The loved ones said: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Courtney at the age of 64."
Police said they were probing his death in the hours that followed, but dubbed it "unexpected".
Where was Dave Courtney from?
Courtney was born in Bermondsey, London.
Until his death at the age of 64, he lived in Plumstead, South East London in a house known as Camelot Castle.
His house was decorated with a number of union flags, the cross of St George, a painted depiction of himself and a large knuckle duster.
Was Dave Courtney married?
Courtney's relationship status was something he liked to keep quiet.
However, he had been married before – to Jennifer Lucrea Pinto who he met while she was working at a nightclub Courtney owned.
But their relationship hit the rocks in 2004, when Courtney was accused of beating Pinto, during a row over her then lesbian lover.
He was later cleared of all charges.
Has Dave Courtney been to prison?
Courtney made claims that he spent time in Belmarsh Prison as a high-security prisoner.
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These claims were backed up by ex-prison guard Jim Dawkins in his book The Loose Screw.
Courtney also had a few close shaves when it comes to serving time – in 2009 the former gangster avoided jail time after being charged with two firearm offences.
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