Ex-Gangster Dave Courtney Cleared Of Knuckle Dusters Charge

Another day in Court: 'Dodgy Dave'

Hardman Dave Courtney has beaten a police charge over knuckle dusters, a dagger and martial arts throwing star found at his landmark ‘Camelot Castle’ home in south-east London.

The 64 year-old, of Chestnut Rise, Plumstead, appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court alongside housemate Brendan McGirr, 56.

Both were charged with possession of offensive weapons in a private place on December 29, 2022, after local police visited the address to discuss Courtney’s New Year organised bare knuckle fights. 

Officers returned half-an-hour later with a Sergeant and identified various weapons scattered around the property.

The charge against Bermondsey-born Courtney was withdrawn and film props company boss McGill pleaded guilty to illegally possessing all the dangerous items.

Prosecutor Sophie Akister told the court officers visited the address at approximately 6.40pm and only McGill was home, with Courtney on holiday.

“The officers wanted to speak to Mr Courtney because of intelligence reports regarding his New Year parties and organised bare knuckled fights.

“Mr McGill answered and allowed the officers inside, where they recognised various offensive weapons that are not allowed in a private place.

Brendan McGirr

“They returned around thirty minutes later and noticed many swords, some in buckets, but they were all clearly blunt and Mr McGill produced weapons and handed them over to the police voluntarily.

“They were hanging on walls and strewn across shelves and other surfaces and none were in locked cases,” added the prosecutor.

The six knuckle dusters were of various designs and the throwing star is a Japanese weapon known as a shuriken.  

Courtney’s home is a local landmark, bedecked with union flags and flags of St. George, plus a huge side wall mural of the ex-gangster depicted as a knight sitting on a knuckle duster-themed throne surrounded by his men.

“In a statement to police Mr McGill said the items recovered were all film props belonging to his company and he felt possession of them was lawful,” explained Miss Akister.

“He said they were for the purpose of theatrical productions and film and television and were used in rehearsals and were like displays in a museum.”

“I am asking for pre-sentence reports in this case,” said David Richter, defending, before McGill was bailed to Bexley Magistrates’ Court on August 14.

“We will go along with your request and we are going to adjourn for pre-sentence reports,” announced magistrate John Fitzgerald.

“You have pleaded guilty, but we are not going to sentence you today,” he told McGill. “I urge you to co-operate with the Probation Service. It is your opportunity to state your case.”