Former gangster turned actor Dave Courtney has been hauled to court over blunt martial arts movie props in his famous south-east London home.
Dave – who appeared in films including The Krays – was charged with housemate Brendan McGirr, 57, who runs an industry prop company, after knuckledusters, daggers and throwing stars were spotted.
The bizarre situation unfolded this week despite photos of his ‘Camelot Castle’ home in south-east London frequently being published over the years – showing the items.
But on December 29, 2022, when local police visited the address to discuss Courtney’s New Year organised bare knuckle fights, they took exception.
They returned half-an-hour later with a sergeant and identified various weapons scattered around the property.
And this week Courtney and McGirr, who say they had no idea they were illegal and had them for years, were hauled before Bromley Magistrates’ Court accused of possession of offensive weapons.
Dave – who appeared in films including The Krays – had to go to court this week over the charge
Pictures of the ex-gangster’s home show a number of weapons used to decorate the walls
A number of blunt bladed items are used as decorations in the popular Londoner’s home
Hardman Courtney – well-known for his white suit – beat the charge, which was wihdrawn after film props company boss McGill pleaded guilty to illegally possessing the items.
Prosecutor Sophie Akister said officers had 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.
‘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 in question is a Japanese weapon known as a shuriken.
Dave Courtney arriving at court this week, where he had the case against him dropped
Dave Courtney’s home and its contents have frequently appeared in the press and on tV
Dave’s white mansion is decked out with guns, swords, and suits of armour throughout it
Courtney’s home is a local landmark, bedecked with union flags and flags of St. George.
It also has 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.
‘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.’
Speaking outside court after the charge was dropped against him, Courtney looked relieved.
He told filmmaker Liam Galvin: ‘Not guilty, but I wasn’t actually guilty anyway.
iI’m proud of my friend for holding his hands up.
‘We’re going out for a meal, we are going to console Brendan.
‘I don’t think he will do community work – he’d rather go to prison.
‘Don’t get a knuckleduster in your drawer, they are against the law now, they’ll get you nicked.’
