Dave Courtney was a notorious figure in the criminal underworld. Known for his connections with the Kray brothers, he was a nightclub bouncer and debt collector who later reinvented himself as a media-friendly mobster. He wrote a successful memoir about his criminal exploits, appeared in TV documentaries and films, and gave talks, all while raising money for charity.
Courtney’s criminal activities included attempting to steal a spider monkey from a zoo and being involved in an incident with Chinese waiters and weapons. His website claimed he had been involved in various crimes and had successfully defended himself in multiple trials, including one for murder. He also claimed to have been shot, stabbed, and injured in pub brawls.
There are doubts about the veracity of Courtney’s stories since he often provided conflicting information. He called himself Dave Courtney OBE, which stood for “One Big Ego.” His other nickname was “Dodgy.” In 1999, he faced criticism from other criminals who accused him of being a police informant.
Courtney boasted of his connections in the criminal underworld, but many of them were imprisoned or on the run. He attended Ronnie Biggs’ birthday party in Rio de Janeiro and developed relationships with individuals like Caesar the Geezer and Jack “The Hat” McVitie.
Courtney’s involvement in the criminal world declined after organizing security for Ronnie Kray’s funeral in 1995. The event marked the end of an era for him and the beginning of his transformation into a celebrity. He became disillusioned with the criminal lifestyle due to the influence of drugs.
Born in Bermondsey in 1959, Courtney came from a loving family but chose a life of crime. He engaged in various illegal activities, from stealing charity money to shoplifting and car theft. He became a security supplier for nightclubs and traveled internationally to collect debts.
Courtney’s criminal pursuits were driven by a desire for wealth and glamour. However, he faced limitations in spending and sharing his experiences due to the illegal nature of his actions. Despite this, he found success in the entertainment industry, appearing in TV documentaries and British gangster films. He also produced his own film, Hell To Pay.
He developed a unique sense of style as a “gangster chic” style guru, distancing himself from the traditional black-suited gangster image. He amassed a large collection of suits and gold jewelry, which he proudly displayed.
Courtney’s life is marked by contradictions and uncertainties, rendering it difficult to determine the truth behind his stories. Nonetheless, he captivated the public with his criminal persona and transitioned into a celebrity figure.
