Dave Courtney said ‘I’m in pain but had wicked life’ in clip months before death

Dave Courtney says he was in "pain" in a video unearthed by his family, filmed three months before his death.

The gangster-turned-actor, who claimed to rub shoulders with the likes of the Kray twins during his mobster days, was 64 when his body was found at his Camelot castle home in Plumstead, southeast London on Sunday (October 22). His family confirmed the death shortly afterward and said he took his own life.

A video posted by his friends and family to his X (formerly Twitter) account today (October 24) saw Courtney apologise for taking his life. He said: "[I’ve had] a wicked life, absolutely superb."

READ MORE: Ex-gangster Dave Courtney leaves giant foul-mouthed message on 'Camelot castle' rooftop

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"Any day I can think back on it was funny and brilliant. Don’t be sad. Please don’t be sad."

Courtney added he had been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and was in a lot of pain. "Don't go racking your brains and thinking why I would do this, I'll tell you why," he said. "No woman trouble or anything like that. I am hurting. And disguising a lot of pain.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

"I'm not enjoying it.That’s really it." Ending the emotional clip, Courtney shrugged and said: "Um… well… That's it, really."

The video, filmed three months before Courtney's death, was discovered as loved ones went through his belongings. "Following an examination of Dave’s personal effects by Mr Brendan McGirr [who found Courtney's body], a video has been found that was filmed on the 5th July 2023 in his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead," a statement, published with the video, read.

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  Dave Courtney's feud with 'Mad' Frankie Fraser who shoved poo in prison officer's gob

On Monday, Courtney's family paid tribute to the gangland legend and said he had lived a "rock'n'roll" lifestyle. "He had lived an incredible, colourful rock’n’roll life in which he touched the hearts of so many," they wrote.

Courtney was born in Bermondsey, south London, and adopted the bold personality he became known for from a young age. He was only nine when the Kray twins were jailed but claimed he went on to be a gangland figure himself who arranged security at Ronnie's funeral in 1995.

He also alleged he was pals with legendary unlicensed boxer Lenny McLean, who was revered as "the hardest man in Britain." Courtney also had enemies in the criminal world, including former enforcer of the Richardson gang, ‘Mad’ Frankie Fraser, who accused him of fabricating lies about his past for profit.

A fight over a takeaway miscommunication launched Courtney's criminal career and led to him calling himself Dave Courtney OBE (One Big Ego), the Daily Star previously reported. Courtney claimed he also served a stint in the legendary HMP Belmarsh, known for housing some of the UK's most notorious lags.

According to pal Brandan McGirr, 57, Courtney enjoyed a three-course feast and watched the Rugby World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa in the hours before his death. A number of sources claim his final words were: "That's typical, I'm going to bed," in response to his country's defeat.

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