PLUMSTEAD: Reformed gangster cleared of gun charges says 'naughty' days are over (From News Shopper)

PLUMSTEAD: Reformed gangster cleared of gun charges says 'naughty' days are over

3:14pm Friday 11th December 2009

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A REFORMED gangster cleared of storing guns illegally in his home says his "naughty" days are well and truly over.

Celebrity author Dave Courtney, of Chestnut Rise, Plumstead, was found not guilty of three charges of possessing a prohibited weapon at the Old Bailey on December 11.

The former debt collector, who arranged security at Ronnie Kray’s funeral and is thought to be the inspiration for Vinnie Jones’s character in the film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, spoke to News Shopper after the verdict.

He said: "I may be guilty of a lot of things but I am not guilty of being stupid.

"How stupid would I be to draw attention to myself by writing books and painting a huge picture of myself on the side of my house, and then hide dangerous guns in my own home.

"The more famous you get for being naughty, the more difficult it is to be naughty and get away with it. My gangster days are well and truly over."

The court was told the bankrupt 50-year-old had swords and guns "festooned" over the walls of his King Arthur-themed home, and auditors discovered them when sent to his house to seize assets.

Police seized three guns, a gas cartridge firing handgun and rifle and a gold sprayed “James Bond” revolver which shot blanks.

However, Mr Courtney told the jury the weapons were needed for his wife’s theatrical props business.

When asked in court why he put them on the walls, he replied: “It’s better than having them in boxes under the stairs.”

Speaking after the verdict about his money problems, the married father-of-six added: "I just couldn't believe it when the police knocked down my door in the middle of the night in July carrying guns and with a helicopter overhead.

"I have been in prison for six months waiting for this trial. No-one gives you book contracts or film contracts when you've been charged, so I have just run out of money."

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