Celebrity 'gangster' Dave Courtney had string of events lined up before reportedly ending his life

CELEBRITY "gangster" Dave Courtney (seen yesterday above - Dave Courtney/Facebook) had a string of events lined up before reportedly taking his own life with a gun in the early hours of today.

His X (formerly Twitter) account posted this evening: "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, October 22 (2023), with a firearm at his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead (south London).

"Details about funeral arrangements will be provided in due course. His family ask for respect during this period of mourning."

The Met Police said officers attended a property on Chestnut Rise, in Plumstead, south-east London and a 64-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

His death is being treated as unexpected and is under investigation. No arrests have been made and his family have been informed, the force said.

The force refused to say if a firearm was licensed to Mr Courtney's address or if one had been recovered from the scene.

A Met spokesman said: "We wouldn’t comment on individual firearm licences – there will be an update on this investigation after the post mortem so best to check in after that."

It is not yet known when the post mortem examination will be held.

It has been reported that Mr Courtney was found by a friend dead in bed at around 11am in an apparent suicide, but police are investigating.

It was said that he had been up drinking until around 4am before going to bed.

According to a neighbour, police would occasionally come to his home to check his 12 decommissioned firearms which he treated as ornaments.

Mr Courtney was charged with possession of offensive weapons in July in connection with ornaments at his home, but the case against him was dropped after it was accepted they were film props.

He had appeared in good spirits on various social media posts in recent weeks, enjoying the visit to Charlton Athletic and days and nights out at pubs and a visit to his 92-year-old mum.

Earlier the year he appeared as a talking head in a three-part Sky documentary about the notorious Essex Boys Rettendon Range Rover murders.

On Facebook yesterday he posted pictures (above - Dave Courtney/Facebook) at Charlton Athletic just hours before his death.

He wrote: "At Charlton today . Full works today three course meal and our man James company is Sponsor for the game. Billingham communications ... and what a cool cool day it's all turning out to be."

Just three days ago on Thursday he posted on X about an event he was scheduled to be at in Peterborough on December 22.

He wrote: "What better way to start off Christmas than with me?! I’ve got a show up in Peterborough on the 22nd Dec and it’s guaranteed to be a good one! Why not bring the family and start Christmas off together!"

On Tuesday he posted that he had taken part in a podcast in Peckham a day earlier with pictures (below - Dave Courtney/X) and the same day he posted a link to order a personalised video greeting from him.

On Monday he had also advertised his annual all nighter Halloween party at his home due next Saturday.

He wrote: "Not long now to my favourite party of the year Halloween. Looking forward to seeing everyone dressed up just like last year. Some of you looked awesome let's see if you can outdo yourselves yet again."

A week earlier he had posted about his involvement in recreating a fight scene for a film being made Angel of the North about the life of bare knuckle champion James "Gypsy Boy" McCrory.

Tributes have poured in for the crook turned actor and author on social media.

Writer and author Rocky Troiani posted: "This is a post I never thought I would be writing. The loss of Dave Courtney is beyond words so heart-breaking 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."

Another wrote: "Some called him a gangster, some called him a villain I'm sure he was called an awful lot of things. As for me, for 15 years I called him my friend.

"Truly and deeply saddened to hear he has left this world. RIP my good friend Dave Courtney. I will miss you."

Friend Shinobi Ryder wrote: "A part of me is missing today. Dave is gone and my soul feels a bit empty. He was a big part of my life and family. I can’t breathe."

Not-for-profit organisation Autistic Inclusive Meets, where Courtney had been a patron since 2020, said they were heartbroken by his death.

"His commitment to protecting autistic and ADHD teens from peer pressure, gangs, and the lack of support was unwavering,' they wrote on their Facebook page. "We're proud to have had him as our patron, and his absence is devastating.

"Our condolences go out to Dave's loved ones. He was adored by our attendees, and his legacy is a huge part of AIM. We'll miss him deeply."