Boxer Julius Francis says Dave Courtney was 'smiley and jovial' in final chat

24 October 2023 , 05:39

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Julius Francis has paid tribute to the reformed East End gangster

Julius Francis has revealed the last time he saw Dave Courtney he was “the same smiling, jovial guy” as ever.

The East End gangster was found dead at his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead home, aged 64, with his family saying he took his own life in the early hours of October 22. Met Police said they were called to an address on Chestnut Rise in Plumstead at around 11:25am last Sunday, after reports of a man found dead. Courtney was pronounced dead at the scene, with the death being treated as unexpected and under investigation.

The day before his death he had posted on Facebook after a hospitality visit to Charlton Athletic. A smiling Courtney wrote: "At Charlton today . Full works today three course meal and our man James company is Sponser [sic] for the game. Billingham communications ......... an wat a cool cool day it's all turning out to be."

Dave Courtney was found dead at his home (Press Association)

On Monday 58-year-old former heavyweight boxer Francis, who was a friend of Courtney's, went to pay his respects at his home. He told MailOnline: "I have known Dave for years. I last saw him about eight weeks ago at an event. He was fine when I saw him. He was the most smiley, happy to be around people. All the rumours you've heard about his exploits inside Camelot Castle are true. He was just larger than life. The biggest smile. The biggest laugh. And he was always happy to help people.

"I've worked with him, at the nightclubs since the mid-80s when I first met him. Over the years we have worked together a lot. I've come here to pay my respects today for someone that I have known for many years. It's gutting. And the last time I saw him I spoke to him and he was happy and smiling at an event. He was the same smiling, jovial guy."

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Tributes left at Courtney's home in Plumstead (Grant Falvey/LNP)

Tributes have poured in for Courtney including from glamour model Jodie Marsh. Describing him as a "true gentleman", Jodie said she enjoyed several nights out with the gangland figure and recalled how he even gifted her a gold knuckle duster on her wedding day. Posting on Facebook on Monday, she said she was "utterly devastated" at the news of his death, adding: "I will miss him so much". Jodie, who now runs an animal rescue centre in Great Dunmow, Essex, wrote: "I am utterly devastated. I've known Dave Courtney since I was 17-years-old. I first met him when I worked at Ministry of Sound in Elephant and Castle.

"Over the years I've had some of the best nights out ever with Dave. And also some of the best parties at my parents house with him. His favourite thing was to get up and sing Blueberry Hill whenever there was karaoke or a band playing. Dave was a true gentleman. On one messy night out, one of my mates threw up all over the cream interior of his brand new Rolls Royce and he simply shrugged and drove us home. He didn't even get angry. He just made sure we were safe.

"Dave was the life and soul of the party, a hilarious comedic genius and a friend to many. I've lost count of the times we partied and laughed and "ruled" London together. Dave had no prejudice; he took everyone as he found them. When I got married, my wedding present from him was a solid gold knuckle duster. Dave was one of a kind and I will miss him so much. RIP Dave you legend. Until we meet again."

Tim Hanlon