Dave Courtney
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"Dodgy" Dave Courtney (February 17 1959) is a self-proclaimed former British gangster who has renounced crime and become both an author as well as a rather curious celebrity figure.
He was once referred to as the Yellow Pages of the Underworld due to his knowledge of the criminal underside of London and apparent 'association' with prominent gangsters such as the notorious twins Ronald and Reginald Kray - despite only being 9 when they were arrested. Courtney has a lengthy criminal record, and claimed he was once charged with murder but acquitted yet admitted his guilt afterwards. Former criminal, and author, Bernard O'Mahoney has challenged Courtney's standing as a one time leading London criminal. He has suggested Courtney has fabricated and exaggerated details of his past. "Mad" Frankie Fraser also considers Courtney a fantasist.
Since renouncing the criminal lifestyle in the 1990s Courtney has written several books, including "Stop The Ride, I Want To Get Off", "The Ride's Back On" and "Dodgy Dave's Little Black Book" and also a magazine column. He runs his own website, is involved in charity work, is currently working on a film called 'Get Courtney', and is even available for after-dinner speeches.
In 1990 he had a small role in the gangster movie "The Krays".
In 1999 he addressed the Oxford Union Society at a speaker meeting of the prestigious student debating society.
In 2003 California punk rock band Rancid featured a song entitled David Courtney on their most recent release, Indestructible.
Courtney's movie Hell to Pay showed at the Cannes Film Festival.
He is currently involved with various movie projects and continues to perform his 'Audience with..' events.
External link
2005 saw the release of "Hell to Pay", described as "Guerrilla film-making at its best." Inspired by, financed by and starring Dave Courtney and Billy Murray (The Bill) as feuding criminal brothers. No budget, no script, no advance rehearsals and no real technology.
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