Family pay tribute to David Courtney after suspected suicide
The family of David Courtney have released a statement after the late gangster-turned-actor was found dead at his home yesterday morning.
On Saturday, Mr Courtney, 64, of Chestnut Rise, Plumstead, spent a day out at the football with his friends to watch Charlton Athletic FC beat Reading 4-0 at The Valley Stadium.
But just hours later he was found dead.
In a statement posted on Mr Courtney’s Instagram yesterday, his family said: “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, with a firearm at his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead.”
In another post this morning, a statement from the family said: “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.”
Born in Bermondsey, Mr Courtney claimed he worked with the infamous Kray brothers – despite only being nine years old when they were first imprisoned.
Mr Courtney was found guilty in January 2009 of possessing live ammunition.
But later in life, the ex-criminal swapped his life of crime to become an author and actor.
During his career, he published six books and starred in his own film, Hell To Pay.
A spokesman for the Met said: “Police were called at around 11.30am on Sunday to a residential address in Chestnut Rise, Plumstead, 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.
“Formal identification has not taken place.
“The death is currently being treated as unexpected and is under investigation.
“There have been no arrests.”
Pictured top: Dave Courtney shows off a knuckle duster at the Manhattan Cafe in Woolwich, the venue for a reception after the marriage of Saira Rehman to “Britain’s most dangerous inmate Charles Bronson”, at Milton Keynes Prison (Picture: PA)
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
