Ex-gangster Dave Courtney takes own life, inquest concludes

Dave Courtney, a former London gangster turned author, took his own life at the age of 64, as revealed during an inquest following his death on October 22, 2023. He was found with a gunshot wound in his home, and the coroner confirmed that there was no evidence of third-party involvement. In videos recorded prior to his death, Courtney expressed the deep pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, stating he was 'disguising a lot of pain' and did not want to 'waste having a wicked life.' He apologized to loved ones in a final video, indicating an awareness of the distress his actions would cause. The inquest concluded that he intended to end his life, with his family present during the proceedings. Courtney had previously claimed associations with notorious gang figures and had transitioned to a writing career after his criminal past.