FORMER gangster Dave Courtney was found dead in bed by a pal after suffering a gunshot wound to the head, an inquest heard.
The notorious hardman-turned-author, 64, was found dead at his home in Plumstead, South West London, on October 22.
Courtney was battling prostate cancer and was left in "severe pain" from arthritis.
An inquest heard today how he was found dead on his bed by a pal, who had gone to his room to see if he wanted a cup of tea.
Police at first treated his death as "not suspicious but unexplained" when they were scrambled to the home.
A provisional cause of death was given today as a gunshot wound to the head, caused by a 9mm pistol.
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The court was told videos were found on Courtney's phone of him saying goodbye to his loved ones.
Another video was also discovered that had been made three months prior where the gangster detailed plans to take his own life.
Detective Superintendent James Robinson, attached to Lewisham Police Station, said there had been a failed suicide attempt in July.
Courtney claimed to be an associate of 1960s gangland criminals the Kray twins and said he arranged security for Ronnie Kray's funeral.
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He told how he was the target of a string of murder attempts – revealing he was shot and stabbed while operating in London's grisly criminal underworld.
Courtney also claimed he inspired Vinnie Jones' character in Guy Ritchie film Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels.
He wrote six books and appeared in films and documentaries about his antics after turning his life on crime.
But gangsters Bernard O’Mahoney and Frankie Fraser accused Courtney of fabricating his past.
On the day before he died, the ex-crime kingpin had watched Charlton beat Reading 4-0 with pals.
The inquest was told he was "happy and chirpy" after the result.
Courtney had also shared pictures from the match, writing: "What a cool cool day it’s all turning out to be.”
After the game, he went to the pub with his two pals before they headed back to his to watch England lose to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup.
One friend got up at around 3.30am to use the bathroom and heard Courtney on the phone.
Det Supt Robinson told Inner London South Coroner's Court he "thought nothing of it".
Courtney's body was then discovered around seven hours later on his bed by a friend.
The officer added: "They called various family members because they decided before the police arrived, they wanted close family to have the last minutes with Mr Courtney, after they arrived the police were then called.
"Detectives attended the scene, and the initial thoughts were not suspicious but unexplained and to be investigated, the primary concern was although they recovered a firearm, they have not recovered the casing."
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
Courtney lived in a £650,000 end-of-terrace house in Plumstead known as Camelot Castle.
The house was decorated with Union Jack flags, a bust of the gangster, swords, fake guns and boasted a jacuzzi.
His family said: "On October 22, 2023, Dave made the decision to 'stop the ride'.
"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."
The full inquest was adjourned on a date to be set.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
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