REFORMED gangster Dave Courtney smiles as he watches his beloved Charlton Athletic yesterday in his last social media post.
The criminal-turned-author enjoyed the “full works” with a three course meal at The Valley as The Addicks lost 4-0 to Reading.
Posing in a suit with pals, he wrote on Facebook: “Wat a cool cool day it’s all turning out to be.”
But just hours later, Dave was found dead at his South East London home with a suspected gunshot wound.
The Sun understands the tragedy happened around 4am on Sunday.
Cops were called to Courtney’s property, dubbed Camelot Castle, around 11am but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His family confirmed Dave’s death on Sunday afternoon, saying he “took his own life”.
They said in a statement: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Courtney at the age of 64.
“Dave tragically took his own life in the early hours of Sunday 22nd October, with a firearm at his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead.”
Pal Manny Clark wrote on Facebook: “RIP Dave Courtney.
“My heart goes out to his family, especially his poor mum who is in her 90s and Davey boy was her world. His daughter Courtney D Courtney also.”
The Metropolitan Police have described the death as “unexpected” and are yet to carry out formal identification.
Born David John Courtney on February 17, 1959, he claimed to have links with notorious gangsters such as Reggie Kray and Lenny McLean.
He is best known for organising security at Kray’s funeral in 1995.
But the ex-criminal swapped his life of crime to become a recognised author and celebrity.
During his career, he published six books and starred in his own film, Hell To Pay.
Courtney also alleged he spent time in Belmarsh Prison as a high security prisoner.
Despite Dave’s story, ex-members of the Richardson gang, Bernard O’Mahoney and Frankie Fraser, accused Courtney of fabricating and embellishing his past criminal record.
Courtney denied these allegations throughout his life.
