WARNING: The below story references suicide

An emotional video of Dave Courtney’s final message before his death has been shared on his former social media accounts.

The gangster-turned-author died at the age of 64 at his home on Chestnut Rise on Sunday, October 22.

The news of his death was shared via his Instagram account, where it was reported that he had taken his own life.

The post reads: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of Dave Courtney at the age of 64. Dave tragically took his own life in the early hours of Sunday, October 22, using a firearm at his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead."

A more recent post on his Facebook account, which includes the video message, reads: “Following examination of Dave's personal effects by Mr Brendan McGirr, a video has been found that was filmed on the 5 July 2023 in his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead.

“The video clearly shows Dave had not taken the decision to take his own life lightly, and had gone into thorough planning and preparation to ensure as little pain as possible for his loved ones in the aftermath of his death.”

Dave goes on to speak in the video, saying: “Well as you can all see I am in sound mind and body. Sorry I’ve took the coward's way out – don’t go wracking your brains and thinking why, I will tell you exactly why.

“There is no woman trouble or nothing like that – I am hurting, I am disguising a lot of pain.

“I’ve got rapid ruminal arthritis which is crippling me up. I have to hide the fact that I can’t get up, downstairs and in and out of the car and I’m not enjoying it at the moment. That is really it.

“I don’t want to waste having a wicked life like I have, absolutely superb, any day I can think back on it was funny and brilliant and the rest of it in pain trying not to end it because it would upset everyone else.

“I’m not enjoying it and I do what I want so that really is why I am not here today.

“Don’t be sad, please don’t be sad.

“I’m sure I left enough people in this world to stick up for Dave.”

He then goes on to briefly discuss his criminal past before ending the video with a simple “That’s it really”.

Dave Courtney, who had claimed association with the notorious Kray twins and was rumoured to have inspired Vinnie Jones's character in Guy Ritchie's gangster film, "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels," made a significant transition from a life of crime to become an accomplished author.

He wrote six books, appeared in a film titled Hell To Pay and has done numerous charity events in Plumstead such as holding a disco at his home to raise funds for the charity Autistic Inclusive Meets (AIM).

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