Model Jodie Marsh reveals how ‘true gentleman’ Dave Courtney bought her a solid gold knuckle duster as a wedding present as she leads celebrity tributes to the late gangster, saying they ‘ruled’ London together.
The bodybuilder and reality TV star revealed she first met Courtney 27 years ago when working at a club in south London.
The 44-year-old called the former gangster a ‘true gentleman’ who bought her a solid gold knuckle duster as a wedding present.
She fondly reminisced on times they ‘partied and laughed and “ruled” London together’ on nights out in the city.
Marsh, who has appeared on Essex Wives and Celebrity Big Brother, said she will ‘miss him so much’ and was ‘utterly devastated’ by his death.
Jodie Marsh and Dave Courtney attend The ‘Scooby-Doo 2’ Premiere in Islington. Marsh reveals how ‘true gentleman’ Dave Courtney bought her a solid gold knuckle duster as a wedding present as she leads celebrity tributes to the late gangster
Tributes have poured in since Courtney, 64, was found dead from a gunshot wound and a pillow over his face at his Camelot Castle pad yesterday
Tributes have poured in since Courtney, 64, was found dead from a gunshot wound and a pillow over his face at his Camelot Castle pad yesterday.
Courtney had been in high spirits after watching a football match with friends and drinking into the earlier hours of Sunday morning.
But he had been secretly battling cancer and was in pain from the disease and arthritis attacking his body.
Posting on Facebook today, Marsh said she was ‘utterly devastated’ at the news of his death, adding: ‘I will miss him so much’.
Marsh, 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.
Courtney was one of Britain’s best-known gangsters and made a name for himself quickly
Dave Courtney pictured outside his ‘Camelot Castle’ home in October 2022. A lodger found him dead in his bed with a pillow over his face yesterday
Scotland Yard is investigating his ‘unexpected’ death and a heavy police presence remains outside his Camelot Castle home today
‘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.’
Julius Francis, 58, a friend of Courtney’s and a former heavyweight British champion, came to Courtney’s home in Plumstead, south east London, to pay his respects.
He said: ‘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.’
Reggae band UB40 also paid tribute to the late gangster, writing on Instagram: ‘Rest In Paradise Brother’.
The band added: ‘RIP Dave. Was great to cross paths one last time at Koko a few weeks ago. Fly high, big love.’
Busted star Matt Willis also shared his condolences.
Commenting on a post on Courtney’s Instagram account which confirmed his death, Matt wrote: ‘Sad news. RIP Dave.’
One man who didn’t know Courtney said that he came down to pay respects to him because of their shared love of Charlton Athletic.
Of his last game at The Valley on Saturday, the local, who was wearing the Charlton home kit, said: ‘It seems he really enjoyed himself. VIP lounge, the whole lot.
‘I’m just here to pay respects to a fellow fan.’
Another local who knew the hardman said: ‘He was a good man to everyone. He was a decent man. Too decent to do that to himself.
‘He was well-loved by everyone around here. He was well-loved.’
A resident who didn’t know Courtney personally said: ‘He was a proper legend… proper legend.’
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
R
