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LATEST NEWS
20th May 2013
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Dave has been contacted by Old
Bill regarding David Pinto's sentencing on Thursday. The Police, avid readers of
this page, advised him that the public gallery was likely to be closed for the
sentencing because of "disturbances" at the last appearance, where Pinto and
Bleach were found guilty of the cold-blooded execution of drug dealer Genson
Courtney. My understanding is that DC has been told not to attend the court and
I have been asked to retract the invitation to Dave's supporters to attend.
17th May 2013
Well, the murderers of Genson
Courtney were finally found guilty of his execution today. Genson's uncle David
Pinto and his accomplice Robert Bleach executed Dave's step-son in cold blood on
3rd July 2011, according to the verdict of the jury. It found that Pinto had
shot his nephew Genson through the eye at point blank range over a matter of
money and trust and that Bleach drove the getaway car.
It was never reported on this
website at the time (for obvious reasons) but Dave had said it was Genson's
uncle who had murdered him from Day One. Genson, said to be a drug dealer who
had two prison sentences behind him (including 6 years for rape), appears to
have been threatening his uncle over £1,100 he said he was owed. Who said that
the bonds of blood was stronger than money?
The pair will be sentenced on
Thursday 23rd May at the Old Bailey and will likely be going down for a fair old
while.
Dave will be at the Old Bailey
to see the sentencing and would like to invite all his loyal friends to join
him. So, if you would like to accompany Dave to the sentencing please be at the
Old Bailey PROMPTLY at 8:30 in the morning on Thursday 23rd May 2013 ...
suitably suited and booted.
Oh ... and there will be a
party at Dave's Camelot Castle on Thursday night for all those loyal souls who
accompanied him to the sentencing.
So, where are YOU going to be
next Thursday?
15th May 2013
10th March 2013
Dave's next show: "The Venue", Hitchin, SG5 1LL
Call Darren on 07591 811863 for ticket info.
27th February 2013
Dave enjoyed a visit to Andy Topliffe's B-BAD 3 at the weekend
25th September 2012
Just to update you, David Pinto
and Robert Bleach were remanded in custody and are due to appear at the Old
Bailey today, charged with the murder of Genson Courtney. More news as soon as I
get it.
22nd September 2012
Fourteen months after Dave's step-son, Genson Courtney, was found shot to death
in his car, two men are appearing today in Bromley Magistrates Court charged
with his murder. They are David Pinto, Jen Courtney's own brother, and Robert Bleach.
I was lucky enough to know Genson Courtney from when he was a young boy.
Always quiet, always polite and courteous, it was a dark day when he was shot to
death in his car last year.
Now, perhaps, justice will be done!
29th August 2012
CASUALS
AT THE PORTOBELLO FILM FESTIVAL
16th August 2012
SAINT GEORGE'S DAY
Official Trailer
A Match, a Firm, a Heist and theMother of all Battles!
Infamous London gangster cousins, Micky Mannock and Ray Collishaw, are at the top of the food chain, when their world is turned upside down as they lose a shipment of the Russian Mafia's cocaine in rough seas. Set in London, Amsterdam and Berlin, the story races across Europe at breakneck speed as Micky and Ray attempt to stay one step ahead of the Police. Can they pull off a daring diamond heist in time to put things right and retire to a "legitimate" way of life.
STARRING: Charles Dance, Vincent Regan, Dexter Fletcher, Craig Fairbrass, Keeley Hazell, Sean Pertwee, Nick Moran, Ashley Walters, Neil Maskell, Luke Treadaway and Jamie Foreman.
RELEASE DATE: 7 September 2012
9th August 2012
SAINT GEORGE'S DAY
Exclusive Teaser Trailer 2!
A Firm, a match, a heist. Blood
will be spilt on St George's Day
St George’s Day is a British crime thriller with a huge English hooligan super
firm who play Germany on St George’s Day.
Starring Frank Harper, Craig Fairbrass, Charles Dance, Vincent Regan, Neil
Maskell, Ashley Walters and Tony Denham
Released in Cinemas on September 7th
3rd August 2012
SAINT GEORGE'S DAY
A Match, a Firm, a Heist and theMother of all Battles!
Infamous London gangster cousins, Micky Mannock and Ray Collishaw, are at the top of the food chain, when their world is turned upside down as they lose a shipment of the Russian Mafia's cocaine in rough seas. Set in London, Amsterdam and Berlin, the story races across Europe at breakneck speed as Micky and Ray attempt to stay one step ahead of the Police. Can they pull off a daring diamond heist in time to put things right and retire to a "legitimate" way of life.
STARRING: Charles Dance, Vincent Regan, Dexter Fletcher, Craig Fairbrass, Keeley Hazell, Sean Pertwee, Nick Moran, Ashley Walters, Neil Maskell, Luke Treadaway and Jamie Foreman.
RELEASE DATE: 7 September 2012
24th April 2012
Crown and Cushion
4 Weyhill
Haslemere
GU27 1BX
Doors open at 7pm with Dave at 8pm. Tickets on the door at £10 each.
10th March 2012
25th February 2012
1st January 2012
16th December 2011
Dave is out of prison today ...
just in time for Christmas. He's got a lot to catch up with, so I'll be bringing
you his stories just as soon as I can.
10th November 2011
As you all probably know by now,
Dave is serving a little time at Her Maj's pleasure. If you'd like to help cheer
him up you can write to him at the following address:
A3802CH Dave Courtney
HMP Highpoint
Stradishall
NEWMARKET
Suffolk
CB8 9YG
16th September 2011
Wanna see Dave on stage
with Cass Pennant and Carlton Leach? Well, now's your chance. For the first time
you can see all three on the stage at the same show. On 2nd October 2011 they're at:
The Vault
3 Walsall Rd
Darlaston
WS10 9JP
Never done before, only at The Vault
Bar Live!
Ticket Only Event: £35.00 each. Black Tie Event. NO DOOR
PAYMENTS.
Contact John for details on 07557 261067
14th September 2011
Dave will be going to watch Joe
Longthorne at the Leicester Square theatre at 7.30 pm on Sunday 18th Septemeber.
Box office number is 08448 733433.
So, what are you waiting for? Go and LIKE them people.
4th July 2011
GENSON COURTNEY
We
are all devastated by the news that Genson Courtney was shot and killed in
Greenwich yesterday evening as he sat in his car. Genson was a smashing lad who
was always more concerned that his friends were alright, rather than himself.
He was Jen's son and Dave's
step-son, although Dave raised him as his own and never thought of him as
anything other than as one of his own children.
I watched Genson grow over the
years from a quiet boy into a confident and caring 23 year old man and was
always very proud to know him.
Dave and Jen are obviously deeply
distraught at this sad and sudden loss, but Dave has said:
"If anyone needed an advert to say crime doesn't pay then let Genson be that
advert."
The Police are following several
lines of enquiry as to the identity of Genson's assasin. I'll write more when I
have it.
GENSON COURTNEY, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
8th June 2011
GET COURTNEY (Part 5)
GREAT NEWS FROM
DAVE :
You
will be pleased to know that they dropped the charges on Jen today.
That’s ‘No further action’. We went to Plumstead Police station at the said time
and there were a couple of snappers there and a film crew. They asked a few
questions and we went in. The desk sergeant said that the CID officer had just
stuck his head round the door to see if Jen was in yet, and that she would go
and tell him that Jen was now in.
They were all curious about the filming and what it was and when it was going to
be shown. One officer took offence to being filmed by the camera crew and
photographers and left not in the very best of moods. Bless him! Anyway, the
desk sergeant came back and said the officer was not in the building? Odd i
thought? So who’s head popped round the door looking for Jen I wonder.
So we left and when we went back he had just left a note on the front desk
telling Jen it had been dropped and that she could not have the guns back.
Jen asked about all the other stuff and the other guns they took and didn’t
charge us with, she just said, he said nothing to be collected or returned. I
don’t think she was fussed about it judging by the smile on her face.
I can’t help wondering if all the press outside showing interest in what was
being done to Jenny had any influence on the result she got today, or was it
just the CPS doing their job properly? But whatever it was, thank fuck for it.
It all goes a long way when you have a heavyweight solicitor walk in with you to
the station and Jen had a fucking heavyweight on her side; his name is Stuart
Paige from Rali and Co. solicitors. He’s the Jessie James of the court room and
I think he’s the bollox. He’s been my brief for a good few years now and he’s
never failed to produce the goods on the day. He’s won every fucking thing he’s
been involved with so far for me and all mine. Stuart I Salute you.
I don’t for one minute believe they have stopped all this deliberate hastle they
keep hitting me with and nor does Jenny or my brief. So until the next thing
comes up it’s all smiles and hard ons in the Courtney camp.
24th May 2011
GET COURTNEY (Part 4)
A letter from Dave to the
detectives who are investigating the man who arranged his film deal :
13 May 2011
Dave Courtney OBE
Camelot Castle
Chestnut Rise
SE18 1RL
To Mr. DC Jenkins or Detective Knowles
My name is Dave Courtney OBE and I understand that you are the men in
charge in the investigation concerning Mr. Peter ******* who was
arrested along with his lady on the 7th April 2011.
I understand also that my name came up quite a lot during his interview
and also his wife's, and I would like to offer you any assistance
whatsoever in helping to clear all this mess up. My address is as above
and my phone number is 07********, and I am more than willing to be
interviewed at any time or place necessary to speed proceedings along,
as I do feel somewhat responsible in a bizzare kind of way of
contributing to his present dilemma, purely by my association with him.
All be it's just a film project we were about to embark on in America,
which due to your investigations and it's uncanny timing, has been well
and truly put on hold.
I fear that due to a newspaper article in a Sunday paper which appeared
a few weeks ago stating that I was off to Hollywood and had secured a 3
film 15 million pound deal.
That a strange succession of events have took place, starting with Mr.
********‘s arrest and his assets frozen, which of course affects my film
deal personally, for obvious reasons, next my own wife was arrested on
firearms charges, involving a 2 year old charge in which I was found not
guilty of, but has somehow been twisted into a charge against her, for
which she is presently on bail for, (but by arresting her for this
offence it has stopped her getting her visa for America). Surprise
Surprise.
Next I have had an onslaught of tax men, bailifs, bankruptcy people,
Customs & Excise people, county court officers, all claiming it's just a
coincidence that they have all decided to drop on me in the same week,
and I'm sure that you're thinking "What the f--k has all that got to do
with you?" Well I know you ain't got no personal grievance against
myself and are just doing your job. Doing what your told to do and to
the best of your ability and I take my hat off to you. You are doing a
very good job sir. But I'm afraid that you are unknowingly just taking
part in a much bigger plan by the brass upstairs which they have in mind
for me.
If the investigation on Mr. ********* is not a part of this very
vindictive and well orchestrated onslaught on myself and my family, who
are all paying very dearly because of this, why on earth was he
questioned about me in such depth? I'm sure the officer in charge of my
wife's case is also not fully aware of what his little part is in this
attack on me and my family is about. But he must be scratching his head
wondering why they have just decided to take the actions they have on a
2 year old case, at this precise moment in time?
I’ll try not to harp on anymore. Ha ha ha. (as if I ain't already).
Sorry about that.
But you gotta hear me when I say it's got me proper puzzled and worried
what they are gonna throw at me next, so please forgive me for that
little rant, but I just didn't want my door kicked in again when you
feel it’s time you need to talk to me. (which obviously you must want to
do at some time by the interest you showed in the interview you done
with Peter ******* and his wife). I'll come willingly wherever and
whenever you require me.
It might be of help for you to know that I am at present under full
investigation by CIB3 on an intelligence gathering operation on myself &
my associates. That does (luckily for you) include a permanent unmanned
video camera opposite my home filming me 24/7, and I can only assume the
house and phone are live as well. So they might have some information
you may need to help you in your investigations.
Their address is CIB3, Jubilee House, Jubilee Way, Putney Bridge Road.
Anything else I can assist you with please don’t hesitate to ask.
I'm only here to please.
Love
Dave Courtney OBE
20th May 2011
GET COURTNEY (Part 3)
The following is a letter written
by Dave's wife Jen to the police at Plumstead:
Dear Sir,
I am writing to let you know that the solicitor did get in touch with me
and informed me that I am to attend the police station where I'm to be
interviewed over firearms. I am assuming they are the same bits and
pieces that you still have since Dave got 6months in prison for some
broken old air guns.
I would like you to know that I don't think its a coincidence, that
since the story came out in the Sunday People, saying that Dave & Family
were off to Hollywood, that I myself am now on the way to being charged
for something absurd, and that the man and his wife who were intending
to look after the financial side of the film project, has been arrested
for money laundering and his accounts frozen. SURPRISE! SURPRISE!
You didn't even have the decency to call me and tell me personally, you
rang my solicitor to tell me! How did you know I wanted that solicitor
It's all very strange how you go about things where me and Dave are
concerned.
Your not happy with destroying my business and losing me my home or
locking up my man for half a year for absolutely nothing. This can't be
right what you do to us and get away with. It's nothing short of
vindictive and spiteful and has to stop somewhere. Why can't you just
leave us alone now? I know you lot won't.
I've tried several times by phone and registered mail, whilst Dave was
in custody and consistently over the last year, but me or my solicitor
got no reply. Why now?
Have I now got to use the solicitor you rang to contact me or can I
bring one of my own choice?
I will be filing a complaint over what you are doing and intend to make
very public how you treat us.
12th May 2011
GET COURTNEY (Part 2)
Well, they are certainly pulling
out ALL the stops this time to screw Dave's future up. If you remember, they
nicked seven months of his life ... during which time his livelihood was put in
limbo, which in turn meant that his mortgage wasn't being paid. Well now they
have given him SEVEN DAYS to come up with twenty five grand arrears or get out!
Now you might begin to understand why the entrepreneur had his bank accounts
frozen just as he was poised to help Dave clear the arrears!
As well as that the taxman and
bankruptcy people have descended on him and Jen has been bailed until 8th June
... although we still don't know exactly what firearms Old Bill are considering,
but we assume that they're the same ones that DC got a "Not Guilty" for.
I have been close friends with
Dave for over ten years now and I have witnessed so many attempts to undermine
his career, but this appears to be a concerted effort by ALL the authorities
using every dirty trick in the book! I can truly say that I have never
heard him so downbeat about his situation. Dave's final words to me today were
"Short of someone coming up with the £25k, I'll need all the help I can get to
help me pack up and move out of Camelot Castle. So if anyone out there has
tea-chests, packing boxes, a removals van or lorry or a couple of days to help
me please contact me via
Mal."
10th May 2011
I have received a copy of Jen's
bail conditions:
4th May 2011
GET COURTNEY
It was just a matter of time
before the authorities pulled some stroke or other to upset Dave's plans to
leave for America to make films. Today they made their move:
Today Old Bill arrested
Dave's wife, Jen, on firearm charges and she is currently being held in
Plumstead nick. This is exactly the same tactic they used on Dave and had
him put on remand for seven months while he awaited trial ... a trial at
which everyone (including the police) knew he would get NOT GUILTY! All the
same, they managed to steal seven months of his life. Being held on this
charge means that there is no way the United States will allow her to have a
visa!
The respectable English
businessman who arranged and secured the film deals for Dave in America and
has been financing his move has also been leaned on by the "Dark Forces". I
think we all know how the funny handshake brigade works, eh? It seems that
they will go to any lengths to "interfere" with Dave's career!
Well, there you have it. That's
all I know at the moment, but watch this space for the next piece of breaking
news just as soon as I get it ...
11th April 2011
Dave was in The Mirror yesterday:
More on this story very soon!
6th April 2011
Our good friend, Jason Marriner,
has been moved from the Scrubs. If you'd like to write to him please include a
stamped addressed envelope and send to:
Jason Marriner
A5764CA
HMP Highpoint
Stradishall
Newmarket
Suffolk
CB8 9YG
23rd March 2011
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR THOSE IN THE KNOW: At a meeting held this afternoon
in Cardiff it was decided to reintegrate The Welsh Firm with The Firm. Dave had
the full support of all members of The Welsh Firm who attended and everyone I
spoke to at the meeting said that they were more than satisfied with the change.
Other members who were unable to attend reported that they were very happy at
the move to completely unify The Firm. Further information will be published
soon.
21st March 2011
Good luck to our very good friend Jason Marriner, who
is being sentenced on Friday.
6th March 2011
It is with great sadness that Dave and I learned of the sudden and untimely
passing of Halifax Dave Saville's 19 year old daughter, Lisa Saville. Our
thoughts are with you, your family and friends at this time of great sorrow.
4th March 2011
Faction G - Ya names not down (The Bouncer) *OFFICIAL VIDEO*
3rd March 2011
As
a result of commercial pressure from the main DVD outlets Six Bend Trap has been
rebranded as "Thugs, Mugs & Dogs"
A dark, yet humorous gangster film full of northern grit, THUGS, MUGS & DOGS
centres on ruthless businessman, Gordy Metcalf who owns the best greyhound in
the country and is married to the lustiest and bustiest on either side of the
Watford Gap!
Council estate lad Danny and his pals, find their lives endangered by the
decade-long feud between Gordy and an ex-greyhound trainer. The hapless trio
find themselves trapped between both sides, with all thoughts of escape futile.
They can die tomorrow or stay alive for few more months, the latter being the
lesser of two evils.
This is an intricate tale of collaboration between loyal friends and the dire
consequences of planning their revenge against the Mr Big of dog racing. Like a
game of high-stakes poker, the man with the most money should win but in this
tale, the winner gets to keep his life! Set against the industrial back-drop of
the North-East, THUGS, MUGS & DOGS is the most talked about northern crime film
since the original GET CARTER.
With a heart-stopping culmination filmed at Europe's richest greyhound race at
Peterborough's Fengate Stadium, THUGS, MUGS & DOGS features an all-star cast led
by Dave Courtney (The Krays, Triads, Yardies & Onion Bhajees), Paul Usher (Brookside,
The Bill), Cathy Barry (Diary of a Milf), Thomas Craig (Coronation Street) and
Lisa Riley ( Emmerdale).
27th February 2011
High Rankin & Evolve Or Die VS Wizard Sleeve - Lockdown
23rd January 2011
4Digital Media will be releasing the British gangster film SIX BEND TRAP starring DAVE COURTNEY!
A dark, yet humorous gangster film full of northern grit, SIX BEND TRAP centres on ruthless businessman, Gordy Metcalf (ex-Underworld enforcer, Dave Courtney) who owns the best greyhound in the country and is married to the lustiest and bustiest wife (Cathy Barry) on either side of the Watford Gap!
Council estate lad Danny (Martin Owen) and his pals, find their lives endangered by the decade-long feud between Gordy and an ex-greyhound trainer. The hapless trio find themselves trapped between both sides, with all thoughts of escape futile. They can die tomorrow or stay alive for few more months, the latter being the lesser of two evils.
SIX BEND TRAP is an intricate tale of collaboration between loyal friends and the dire consequences of planning their revenge against the Mr Big of dog racing. Like a game of high-stakes poker, the man with the most money should win but in this tale the winner gets to keep his life! Set against the industrial back-drop of the North-East, SIX BEND TRAP is the most talked about northern crime film since the original GET CARTER.
With a heart-stopping culmination filmed at Europe's richest greyhound race at Peterborough's Fengate Stadium, SIX BEND TRAP features an all-star cast led by Dave Courtney (Hell To Pay, The Krays, Triads, Yardies & Onion Bhajees), Paul Usher (Brookside, The Bill), Cathy Barry (Diary of a Milf), Thomas Craig (Coronation Street) and Lisa Riley ( Emmerdale).
It’s the MUTT’S NUTS!
Directed by: Mike McCarthy Written by: Mike McCarthy Screenplay by: Mike McCarthy Produced by: Geoff Stalker, David Kann
It is with the deepest regret and extreme personal sadness, that I
announce that Unlicensed Legend Cliff Field passed away today of heart
failure.
Cliff (who Roy Shaw always refers to as ' The REAL GUV'NOR') knocked out
Lenny Mclean twice and everyone one else put in front of him. He was the
man nobody wanted to fight!
Cliff was originally a pro Heavyweight and fought for the British title.
But it was the unlicensed ring, in the golden era, that Cliff really
made his name as the greatest and most exciting unlicensed fighter we
have seen so far!
Lenny Mclean was completely destroyed in two extremely one sided fights
by Cliff (I don't think there's any shame in that!), but Cliff was a
gentleman and Lenny, Roy, Johnny Waldron and all unlicensed fighters
became firm friends and had total respect for the man and the fighter.
Cliff, unlike Roy, was not a villain. When he retired from the ring
Cliff worked the doors (when Bouncers had to be something special and
not just take an exam get a badge and rely on the police - like now.)
Cliff worked all the toughest doors. Then one night, a mob of cowards
attacked Cliff with weapons and he lost an eye!
The saddest part is, while other unlicensed fighter were basking in the
limelight of their fight day's and writing books (Most of them, are
great works of fiction and gave credit to people who really were NOT
anyone in reality, but the public who knew no better lapped it all up.)
The REAL "GUV'NOR" (The Guv'nor, was a title Cliff never had time for,
he thought it a bit of a joke!) was forgotten, not mentioned by men like
Mclean (For obvious reason's!) and was never guest of honour at
unlicensed evenings, and even not believed by the public, when people
wrote what he did to the man who called himself and his book ' The
GUV'NOR' .... Nobody would have it!!
(This is how legends are born, by completely re-writing history! From
Dick Turpin to the Kray's, Lenny, Gorman... And a couple I won't even
credit by naming ... This is how the palatable to the public myth is
born, because the public WANT it to be true.)
At last, a book about Cliff will be out very soon, with nothing but
facts!
That's how the man was, he didn't need or want to re-write anything!
I'm extremely proud, that I can say that Cliff was a friend and Roy Shaw
and I would see him often, a big thank you for this must go to 'Red'
Menzies and Cliff's trainer Bill Cooper, also great men and great pals.
I know that I can speak for ALL OF US, when I tell you how sad this time
is, and what a huge hole it has left in unlicensed history.
I remember when Roy Shaw was taken aback when Cliff asked Roy for a
signed photo. It was the only photo in his room, right above his bed.
Roy 'Pretty Boy' Shaw, signed the photo ' TO THE REAL GUV'NOR!' And that
say's it all....
TEL CURRIE
Special thanks and sympathy's to 'Red' Menzies and Bill Cooper! And if
you want to know the TRUTH about the golden age of unlicensed for once,
you MUST buy Cliff's book when it's released soon... Too late for the
great man to FINALLY enjoy the credit, that was falsely given to others!
27th August 2010
DIABOLICAL LIBERTY
Dave has just taken a call from Michael Biggs, Ronnie's son. The Home
Office have told Ronnie Biggs that if he dares to make an
appearance at the show in his honour in TWO days time they will revoke
his licence and put him straight back inside HMP!
As you might imagine, everyone is fuming. The show has been in the
planning for three months and was known about by all and sundry.
So why, you might ask, did the Home Office wait until the last minute
to issue their ultimatum?
Well, it's obvious that it has maximum destructive impact on the show
and reflects badly on the organisers. By waiting until all the tickets
have sold they clearly want to cause a bit of bother in the minds of all
those who have paid because they believed they would be able to pay
their respects to Ronnie in person.
If ever you wanted proof of how manipulative and Machiavellian the
Authorities are this is it!
I haven't heard from Ronnie yet, but he clearly cannot attend and
risk his liberty. Roy Shaw, however, will be attending along with a
whole host of "Faces."
AN AUDIENCE WITH DAVE COURTNEY
Saturday 30th October 2010
The Harlequin Club, Blackwood
This is a ticket only event in aid of Help The Heroes
Doors open 7.00 pm and tickets are £10 each from 01443
830435
Venue: The Studio Nightclub. 9 Orchard Street, Newport Bus Station, Isle of
Wight.
To book/reserve tickets phone Daz on 07766 521110.
Accommodation details are also on this number.
2nd April 2010
An Audience With Dave Courtney OBE, will be held by Jonnie Legend
at The Talk in Norwich on the 30th of May 2010. 8pm start
but doors open at 7pm. Tickets prices are an amazing £10. Charity raffle
for local children's charity and photo signing also available on the
night.
Contact Jonnie for Tickets on 07766 688545
1st April 2010
Big shouts out from Dave to JD for literally saving his life, Alex Read
(who we met at Cage Rage), Roze Thorn (the model we worked with and will
be working with in the future), Buzz and Liz, Daz and missus from the
Isle of Wight (who's gonna go far), Jerome, Michael Brown, Kelly, Adrian
(Happy Birthday mate), Mark "The Beast" Epstein (who we also met up with
at Cage Rage) and the biggest shout to Roger the Meat (he knows what
for).
30th March 2010
I've just returned from a five day stay with Dave and Jen, so I'm
obviously cream crackered, but you'll be able to read all about it here
in the next couple of days ... well, as soon as I've caught up on my
sleep!
20th March 2010
TRIADS, YARDIES AND ONION BHAJEES
I get a lot of emails regarding films that Dave has starred in. None
more than the 2003 Sarjit Bains film "Triads, Yardies and Onion Bhajees".
I first watched this film at the Cannes Film Festival in 2003 with Dave.
Well, that's not quite true, as Dave was being held in a French jail
after our car was ambushed in the town by a couple of dozen gendarmes,
all pointing their guns at us! But that is another story entirely.
The BBC World Service reckoned that it was "the best British gangster
film since Lock Stock" and I agreed at the time.
Well, it has taken seven years, but at last the film is being released
on DVD. Dave plays "Mad Dave" head of the East London "Firm"
You can pre-order the film at Amazon by
CLICKING HERE. I would love to
know what you think of it and I'll put the best reviews on the TYaOB
page.
17th March 2010
Some interesting letters from Dave and Jenny, requesting the return of
goods taken by the police during the last raid on their house.
Read more
...
16th March 2010
8th March 2010
This is an incredible hot-metal-cast collector's piece, based on Charlie
Bronson's famous "Door" that has featured so much in his art and
has been authorised in writing by Charlie himself. Charlie is 100%
behind the project and a great admirer of the artist who created it. He
has seen the piece and says he thinks it's "... absolutely amazing. Mark
has captured my art like no one else and I'm very excited about it."
This is the first of a three
piece set and is an absolute must for any serious Bronson supporter.Almost a whole kilogram of fine English Pewter goes into every one of the
six inch high, numbered Limited Edition pieces which were designed, molded, cast
and finished by the extraordinarily talented artist and master-caster Mark
Williams.
Charlie has thousands of
supporters up and down the United Kingdom and around the world, but only 131
pieces will be cast, with piece number 131 being reserved for Charlie
himself. Quite a few have already gone!
Dave is now half way through the next volume in his "Ride"
autobiographical series. This will be the fourth in the series and will
bring things right up to date with stories about the two recent gun
court cases and his stint at HMP Belmarsh, courtesy of the Met. I'm
afraid I'm sworn to secrecy on the title, but from what I've read so far
the book promises to be a belter in true DC tradition. Watch this space.
Now, there appear to be rumours circulating that Dave has been taken
into hospital because of the ongoing problem with his ankle - a problem
that started in Belmarsh. I just want to make it perfectly clear that
Dave visited the hospital for a routine check-up on said ankle and it's
improving nicely. These rumours always start from the truth, but the
truth seems to get warped through the old Chinese Whispers lark. Just be
reassured that Dave if fine and if some know-it-all tells you different
then please put them right.
Here is
a very telling and obviously distressing poem written by Dave and Jen's
12 year old daughter, Courtney D Courtney. It tells the story of her mum
and dad's arrest from the point of view of an innocent child, but it
also shows the strength and courage that this little girl has:
I know a man who was very, very naughty,
but you all know him as dodgy Dave Courtney,
They call him a killer and a robber and he’s mad!
But in my house we know him as dad.
Let me tell you what happened in the night,
me and my mate Charlee woke up with a fright,
We fell asleep in the chairs just sitting on our bums,
then the next thing you know we we’re awoken by guns.
They were shouting and screaming everybody on the floor
And the next thing I know we were dragged out the door
From the corner of my eye I see a man with a gun,
screaming and shouting and pointing at my mum.
Now we were frightened and things looked bad
But just at that moment in come my dad
With a brandy in one hand and a smile on his face,
In no time at all he had control of the place.
It was getting real scary and all going crazy,
And my dad looked at me and said
‘Oi! DON’T CRY BABY’!
As quick as a flash all my fears were gone,
But I knew in my heart what they done was so wrong.
He went away smiling just holding his beer,
Then they kept him away for nearly a year
My dad had a court case.
It’s finished. He’s won.
They tried to do him for owning a gun
What happened that night would leave most in a trauma
But that don’t affect me ‘cos I’m dodgy Dave’s daughter
At the end of the day it was all about guns
But my dad was saved by the love of my mum.
written by Courtney D Courtney 12yrs
26th January 2010
COMPETITION
AS you
know, there's an Audience with Dave in Christchurch on Sunday 31st
January. Well, I have a competition to win two tickets to the show. It's
very simple, just
email me with the subject heading "COMPETITION" and answer the
following three questions:
What was the third book in Dave's biographical Ride trilogy called?
At
what prison was Dave held recently?
What does Dave's OBE stand for?
Simples! So get
emailing your answers. First correct answer pulled out of the hat on Saturday
morning wins the tickets. Don't worry about receiving them, you'll be sent a
certificate authorising you and one other to enter the Audience on Saturday.
25th January2010
Don't
forget people, there's a Welcome Home Audience with Dave Courtney OBE on
Sunday 31st January 2010 at the Best Western Waterford Lodge Hotel, 87
Bure Lane, Friars Cliff, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4DN [MAP]. Tickets
£15 pp (limited number) .Book Now: 01425 282100
Hotel Rooms £80 B&B Twin/Double £60 Room Only Twin/Double (Very limited
number so book now!!) Please note that this is a paying event, no free
tickets issued! This money is for Dave, so get ya hands in your pockets
and pay people.
13th January 2010
IMPOSTOR ON FACEBOOK
Someone
has set up a Facebook page pretending to be Dave. The person does not
appear to be a fan, but is actually passing themselves off as him and
having conversations with people who believe that they are really
talking to Dave.
I spoke with Dave
this evening and he stated quite categorically that this is NOT a page
sanctioned by him!
If you click on the
picture to the right you will see an image the imposter's page in a new window.
Most of my own posts on the page accusing the person of being an imposter have
been removed by them in an attempt to keep their subterfuge going.
My advice to every
one is do not be taken in by this person.
Actually, what
would be a great idea is if everyone with a Facebook account went and registered
as his/her "friend" and then had some fun with them. Go and confront them.
Meanwhile I will be
talking with Facebook to have their profile permanently removed.
7th January 2010
A
Welcome Home Audience with Dave Courtney OBE
Sunday 31st Jan 2010
Only at
The Best Western Waterford Lodge Hotel
Christchurch
Dorset
Tickets £15 per
person. Limited number
Book Now:
01425 282100
25th December 2009
From Dave, Jen and Mal
20th December 2009
Dave
has been catching up for lost time, but I finally caught up with him.
He's still suffering with foot/ankle problems (the doctors say that it's
inflamed cellulitis) but quietly (ha ha ha) satisfied with his result in
court, although the Not Guilties really don't make up for OB nicking six
months of his life in Belmarsh for which, apparently, he is not entitled
to compo.
Dave says that
the result of the trial hinged on one fact that was argued by the Prosecution.
Because Jen had openly claimed that the guns were hers (see below), as part of
her props company "Proper Job" and NOT Dave's the prosecution argued that
because they were his wife's and in THEIR home he must jointly own them and
therefore was guilty of possessing illegal firearms as charged. Dave turned it
round. With the court lights bouncing off his bald head he asked: "There's a
hair dryer in my house. Do you think that it's mine?" And that was enough to get
three results!
One question
remains. If you remember Dave was on a charge of possessing guns and bullets in
Bristol not so long ago. In that case the guns were returned to him as legit but
they had him on the bullet, saying it was a real one. That resulted in an
eighteen month suspended sentence. The guns and bullets in this latest case were
the same ones, but the police ballistics experts in London said that the bullets
were OK but the guns were illegal! So, two sets of coppers and two totally
opposing technical and legal views!
Go figure.
10th December 2009
NOT FUCKIN' GUILTY (x3)
Day One of a slightly delayed trial and Dave received THREE NOT
GUILTIES
to the firearms charges. Let you know more as soon as I have the details.
21st November 2009
News
from Jen is not good. Dave is still suffering from the bite he received
a couple of weeks back and has taken a turn for the worse. Jen and his
solicitor are doing all they can to get him treated at an outside
hospital. Meanwhile, here's a letter from Jen to Louise Britain, who is
involved in Dave's bankruptcy case:
Jenny Courtney
Camelot Castle
Chestnut Rise
Plumstead
SE18 1RL
18th November 2009
Hello Louise, it’s Jenny Courtney
again!! I apologise for being so persistent.
I’m not sure that you understand how imperative it is that you send a
copy of the taped interview you conducted with Dave Courtney on the 29th
June 2009. We received the typed copy you sent but I am concerned that
it had no mention of Prop-a-Job. I do recall speaking to you about
Prop-a-Job so I was surprised this wasn’t mentioned in the typed version
we received.
As you know, Dave is incarcerated at the moment, currently residing at
HMP Belmarsh, as a result of you forwarding the pictures you took, on
the said day, to the Met. He is awaiting trial and we need to show that
Prop-a-job is actually real and not something we have made up because of
the situation he is in.
His preliminary hearing is on the 27.11.09 and his trial starts on
07.12.09, so I’m trusting that you can appreciate a speedy response as
time is of essence.
If you could send a copy to either Dave at Belmarsh, XR5323 Courtney,
HMP Belmarsh, Western way, Thamesmead, SE28 0EB or to his solicitor
Stuart Page at :
Ralli Solicitors
Ralli Courts
West Riverside
Manchester
M3 5FT.
I will send this letter via registered mail, to ensure that you got it.
If for any reason you are not permitted to forward the taped interview
could you please let either of us know by way of a letter.
Thanks for taking the time to read this letter.
Jenny Courtney
10th November 2009
Anyone
reading this who isn't affiliated with Dave's pages on Facebook should know
that there is a petition for his support, Free Dave Courtney (NO, it isn't a
special offer from Tesco!) at
www.thepetitionsite.com/1/free-dave-courtney-from-bellmarsh.
8th November 2009
More
news from Dave, who says he's using his time in Belmarsh to work on his
next book (title to be announced) which will be about the present case
and the previous one (charged with possession of guns and bullets in
Bristol). It promises to be a hoot and blow the lid off a few things.
I'll keep you informed of Dave's progress. I'm just waiting for another
letter from him.
1st November 2009
A piece
of news for you: last Monday Dave was taken to hospital after he was
bitten by something in his bed and suffered a serious allergic reaction.
While in hospital he was visited by a journalist. Apparently there is
gonna be a story coming out about him that ain't very nice. So he's just
pre-warning us all.
Other than that
Dave is in excellent spirits. But, he says, he has unusual neighbours. On one
side are the Turkish (Kurdish) monsters that killed one of their daughters in a
so called "honour killing" after raping and torturing her and then buried her
body in a suitcase. On the other he has the guy who did the £40 million Graff
Diamonds blag in Bond Street (Dave quipped that "he ain't even got a f*cking
watch!".
Apologies for
the delay in this news, but the postal strike meant that it took a considerable
time for Dave's letter to reach me.
22nd October 2009
Well,
as predicted by Dave, the judge today could see no reason to grant him
bail and sent him back down for remand until his next court appearance,
which is scheduled for 7th December 2009. I should receive more news
tomorrow so come back soon for further updates.
18th October 2009
Dave
will be in court on Thursday 22 October. He predicts that the judge,
with all the evidence to prove him innocent before him, will refuse bail
but that a jury will find him NOT GUILTY. This, Dave maintains, will
blatantly show that the Judge has been "spoken to." Only time will tell,
but I've rarely known Dave to be wrong on this type of prediction. Watch
this space ...
... and a new
letter just received from Jen:
Jenny Courtney
Camelot Castle
Chestnut Rise
Plumstead
SE18 1RL
5th October 2009
To whom this may concern,
I write in reference to my letter dated 18.10.2009, informing you that
all the weapons seized from Chestnut rise on the 29th August 2009,
belong to me, as I run a props company called Prop-a-Job. I'm concerned
that I have had no responses. I sent a copy to the CPS and DC Dell (the
arresting officer). Absolutely no attempt was made to contact me. This I
find strange, as I've stated that they belong to me. Why does my
husband, Dave Courtney remain in custody?
I thought that at the very least someone would have attempted to contact
me before Dave was last in court on the 24th Sept 2009. This did not
happen!
What I'm asking is for someone to at least acknowledge that I have tried
to assist you in finding some resolve to this situation. Your failure in
doing this has led me to believe that you are all in cahoots with each
other?
I will send this letter as I did the 1st letter, via recorded mail, in
the hope that you might explain to me why nothing has been done.
I also requested that you send someone round to check the weapons that
were left, just to ensure that none of them are prohibited items. To
date, this also has not been addressed.
Can you please explain why after receiving my 1st letter, you have
allowed the charge to continue against my husband? I have explained that
I run a company called Prop-a-Job, and I have a number of deactivated
guns and rifles along with some ornamental ones I've been given over the
years by anyone who knows that I run Prop-a-Job.
My husband is due to re-appear at Belmarsh Crown Court on the 22nd Oct
2009. I'm sure that you can appreciate that I am anxious for this matter
to be dealt with as soon as possible.
As I previously stated, all the items seized from my property belong to
me. They have been on the walls ever since I started accumulating them.
They were on the walls when we were raided by Plumstead police on 2
separate occasions in the last 3yrs. If they were prohibited items, the
officers that attended the property made no acknowledgement of this
fact, and left the items there. I would never do anything to jeopardise
Prop-a-Job, as I hope to make this a successful and fruitful business.
Please give me my husband back. His children and I (his wife) need him.
I look forward to hearing from you in the not too distant future,
hopefully before 22.10.09.
You may contact me on my mobile on 07931800546.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
Jenny Courtney.
17th September 2009
I have
received a copy the following letter from Jen Courtney to the ballistics
expert in Dave's case:
18th August 2009
To Ms. Fiona Ritchie,
My name is Jenny Courtney; I live at Camelot Castle, Chestnut Rise,
Plumstead, London, SE18 1RL.
On the 29.07.09 SO19 stormed my home and arrested my husband and myself
on firearm charges.
I run '˜Prop-a-Job', which is a company that supplies props for films,
photo-shoots and public appearances up and down the country and
sometimes abroad.
I run this company along with a man called Brendan McGir.
Mr. McGir was also arrested as he was at the time, living in the Wendy
house at the bottom of the garden.
Camelot was raided as a result of my husband Mr. Dave Courtney O.b.e,
going into bankruptcy. The receivers had attended our address on the
29th June 2009 and listed items as well as taking photographic evidence
for whatever purpose. However, approximately 5 maybe 6 weeks had passed
when we subsequently had our home stormed by SO19 and as mentioned
earlier, taken into custody.
After doing a prepared statement I was interviewed and on the advice of
my solicitor I gave a no comment interview.
Being as we were frogmarched out of the property, and our past
experience with, dare I say, '˜non-law abiding policemen', I had no idea
why they had come how they did, sporting balaclavas and guns with lights
on top of them, or for that matter, what they were going to imply they
had found in our house.
I have since learned that it was the guns and paraphernalia that I have
displayed all over the house. I own all of these things. None of them
belong to my husband.
I understand that he is in custody until they have been tested. They do
not belong to him. If anyone should be locked up then it should be me. I
don't understand why my husband is being held on remand. Please bear in
mind that Mr. McGir, the co-owner of Prop-a-Job was also arrested and we
were both subsequently released.
There are some bullets that may appear to be real but on closer
inspection you will see that it contains bits of sand and the wick has
been soaked in oil. To the best of my knowledge none of them are real.
As a matter of fact, when my husband was arrested last year on his way
home from doing a PA in Bristol, the guns were returned and the bullet
they were trying to charge him for was one of the same bullets you have
now.
Mr. McGir was with Mr. Courtney at the time, as we are aware of the
declaration he signed in 1981 on the firearms act, we always ensure that
either myself or Mr. McGir act as a chaperone, taking the guns or
whatever props were required, to and from the venue. Mr. McGir was also
arrested. At that time Mr. McGir was living in Bexleyheath. His house
was searched. In his house were 2 of the rifles that were removed from
chestnut rise.
When Mr. McGir went bankrupt and lost his home, he moved into the wendy
house at the bottom of the garden, and he brought bits of hid furniture
and special effects from the property. The 2 rifles were amongst these
items and as they were not removed when the police searched his property
I believed they were ok to have with the rest of my collection. I am not
a gun expert and I'm not sure of law changes surrounding these items,
but to the best of my knowledge I believed it was ok for me to have
them.
I will however familiarise myself to these laws now as this seems to be
a common occurrence.
I have had all the items in my home for the past 3 years in which time
the police have raided my house twice in the last 2 years, and they have
never removed a gun or bullet or any of my collection for that matter on
either of these occasions.
Whilst that case was on going, at Bristol crown court, I wrote to DC.
Goode and explained that I have a box of those bullets at home, if they
are illegal I'd like to know so that I can not have them in my home.
However, no attempt was ever made to come and recover the bullets to
conclude whether they were legal or not.
None of the items removed from the property belong to my husband.
As far as any of the guns being real, for most of them I have
de-activation certificates.
I have been running Prop-a-Job for 10 years and over the years, as
people are aware that I run a props company they have given me bullet
proof vests, handcuffs, army helmets, replica hand grenades, policemen's
helmets, truncheons, rifles, bullets, a suit of armour, gas masks, the
list is endless.
Prop-a-Job is a business I take seriously and I hope one day that it
will be a business that me and my family may make a living from, and I
would never do anything illegal to jeapordise that. If you have any
information regarding the issues on gun laws and changes, could you
please forward these to me so that I may educate myself thus avoiding
another situation like this.
Thanking you in anticipation of a speedy resolve to this mess.
Jenny Courtney.
Cc Rali & Co. solicitor
Cc Crown prosecution service
24th August 2009
To all of you who have
been emailing me about writing to Dave, his address is:
XR5323 Dave Courtney
HMP Belmarsh
Western Way
Thamesmead
London
SE28 OEB
In my experience it is best to
send letters by Recorded Delivery, otherwise they don't always arrive.
12th August 2009
Ronnie Biggs and son Mike Biggs on receiving the news
Mal Says:
I just thought you might like to see the absolute delight on Ronnie
Biggs' face after hearing that he had been granted parole at last. Such
pictures warm the cockles of me heart. I'd like to give a special
mention to the principal campaigners for his release: son Michael Biggs,
Mike Grey, Tel Currie and lawyer Giovanni de Stephano. Mike Grey very
kindly sent me the following message:
Mal & Jason [Marriner],
I visited Ronnie yesterday,
First of all, He said to say to you "Thank you",
Hes been reading mine & Tels book as we discussed you fellas and the support
you have given us, and Ronnie pointed to his A-Z laminated Sheet and spelt
"Tell Mal and Jason Thank you"
Now ask me: are
Jason and I chuffed?
11th August 2009
After a
wave of emails regarding Dave's forthcoming "Audiences With" I want to
make it clear to people that I do not arrange Dave's shows. They have
nothing to do with this website, which only advertises them after I have
been informed that they are going ahead. So, if you have bought tickets
to a future event please contact the person/people who you paid for your
tickets.
9th August 2009
Just to
bring you up to speed, it appears that Dave has been charged with
possession of a prohibited weapon. The weapon in question appears
to be a Brocock Air Cartridge pistol which, after some research, I have
discovered was banned in 2004 because of police concerns that it could
be converted to fire live ammunition. The ban does not appear to have
been widely publicised ... in fact, I'd never heard of it. Dave has now
been remanded at HMP Belmarsh until December.
8th August 2009
Following the tremendous (if belated) news yesterday that Jack Straw at
last granted Ronnie Biggs parole, I should like to wish Ronnie a happy
80th Birthday today. Ronnie is still very ill and in a hospital bed, but
at least his three prison guards won't be sitting around him today!
31st July 2009
I am
advised that Dave has been arrested and is currently being remanded in
HMP Belmarsh. This, of course, means that tomorrow's charity event at
Camelot Castle is unfortunately cancelled. However, I am told by the
organisers that it will go ahead at some time in the future (to be
announced). Anyone who has already bought tickets is assured that they
will be valid for the event when it does take place. More news on
this as and when I get it.
26th July 2009
Leyton
and Wanstead MP Harry Cohen has been supporting the righteous campaign
to get Ronnie Biggs released. The following is his speech in Parliament
on 21 July 2009:
I wish to raise the case of the prisoner, Ronnie Biggs. A
fortnight ago the Secretary of State for Justice made a decision on his case.
His son, Michael Biggs, invited me to visit him in prison, HMP Norwich. I
applied to the governor to visit. I wanted to see if this 80-year-old was a
threat to society. His son said that his health was frail, so I wanted to see
what sort of condition he was in, and how that related to the Secretary of
State’s decision. My application to visit was turned down by the governor, which
I think is quite exceptional.
I wrote to Ministers and I received a reply from the Justice Secretary, who
wrote that the governor, Mr. Paul Baker, thought that
“such a visit would cause significant disruption to
the hospital on top of the disruption which the hospital has already
experienced.”
I was surprised at that. I still think it was the wrong
decision, but the Secretary of State went on to say:
“That said, I also think it is reasonable to ask him
to facilitate such a visit in the future”.
I hope that that will take place, but it was wrong, in my
opinion, to deny me a visit in such circumstances.
The real issue is the Secretary of State’s decision to overturn the Parole
Board’s recommendation that Mr. Biggs be released. That was an unreasonable and
cruel decision, and there is some evidence that has been put forward by some
lawyers that it was a misuse of power and, indeed, ultra vires. Clearly, Mr.
Biggs had to spend his time in prison, but his 30-year sentence was excessive. I
looked up the Dome diamond robbers, who I think are pretty comparable to those
who took part in the great train robbery. Two of them got 18 years, two got 15
years and one got five years. Mr. Biggs would have been released if he had
received such a sentence. His sentence was excessive in the first place. It is
more comparable to the sentences passed on serious sex offenders and mass
murderers, and was inappropriate.
Mr. Biggs has now served 10 years after surrendering in 2001. He was eligible
for parole and was recommended for parole. The reason given for not granting him
that was that he was not repentant. I have a letter from Mr. Chris Pickard, who
was the ghost writer behind Ron’s autobiography, “Odd Man Out”. He states:
“I do, therefore, have to question who is advising and
briefing Mr. Straw as most of what he has said about Ron in his ruling is
simply factually wrong.”
“To say Ron is unrepentant goes against all the
interviews Ron has given on the subject over the years and what he wrote in
his autobiography in 1994. Ron has always abhorred violence and has not
committed a crime since escaping from HMP Wandsworth back in 1965, other
than entering a number of countries on a false passport. Why after over 44
years would Ron, who may never now walk again, return to a life of crime and
how would he pull it off in his current state of health?”
To say that Mr. Biggs is unrepentant is plain wrong, and
to say that he could benefit from crime is ludicrous. This is an ill man, who
can hardly walk; I shall say a little about his ill health. He is not going on a
speaking tour. He cannot earn from his crime—that would be against the law. It
is the media who are imposing themselves on him, not Ron imposing himself on
them, and that will happen anyway when he is released, unless he dies in prison,
as some officials in the Home Office seem to want. That is unreasonable.
There is some dubiety—I think some craziness—about the legal powers being
exercised by the Justice Secretary, using a law that has been repealed and
another that was overruled by the Law Lords in 2002. There is massive
inconsistency. The Secretary of State will not intervene in cases of murderers
who have received life sentences, but he says that he can in cases involving
lower offences, such as that of Mr. Biggs. He says that he cannot intervene on
future cases, because the law has been changed, but he can on past cases. That
is wholly inconsistent.
A case is being made by Mr. Biggs’s son, Michael, that there was some political
element to the decision. The day before, the Secretary of State made a decision
in relation to Michael Shields, the Liverpool man who is in prison in Bulgaria.
He decided not to let him go, which I think was the wrong decision, but once he
had made that decision, he had to make a similar decision in respect of Ronnie
Biggs. Both were unreasonable decisions, and the motivation in the Ronnie Biggs
case was unreasonable.
In reply to a point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Vauxhall (Kate Hoey)
on the matter, the Leader of the House said that the Justice Secretary had made
his decision to keep Ronnie Biggs in prison in the public interest. What public
interest is there in keeping a frail 80-year-old man, who has served 10 years,
in prison? It is a cruel penal policy, which many organisations for the elderly
and the Prison Reform Trust say it is wrong to inflict on the increasing number
of people in their 70s and 80s in prison, despite the fact that the severity of
the crimes involved has not increased. Why do we have such elderly people in
prison, when they should be outside?
My last point concerns Mr. Biggs’ ill health. He has suffered three strokes,
cannot walk, cannot talk, cannot go to the toilet without a bag, has a nasal
gastric feed, has broken his hip and his pelvis, has injured his spine, has
acute pneumonia and is currently in Norwich general hospital. This is a man who
is a threat to society, according to the Secretary of State for Justice. That is
ridiculous. The decision should be reconsidered. It is not in the public
interest to have an inhumane penal policy. We should have a humane policy, so I
ask that it be reconsidered.
Good for you
Harry!
23rd July 2009
6th July 2009
Two photos taken very recently of Ronnie Biggs
in his hospital bed.
Now, does this look like a man
who is a danger to the British public? Ronnie is dying, but Jack Straw
still wants him to remain in prison to protect us all.
This is a Government that approved the release of James Bulger''s foul
and evil murderers earlier than their tariff allowed, to let them loose
on the streets and then compounded it by giving them false identities,
so they could walk among us. They may well live in your street
and you wouldn't know it.Does that feel like a safe thing to do
to you?
If you think Jack-off Straw is wrong then please help
us to help Ronnie live out his last days with dignity and in freedom by
signing Giovanni di Stefano's petition at
http://www.studiolegaleinternazionale.com/petition.php4. More than
21,000 people already have, but he needs all the support he can get
right now. So PLEASE give him more than just lip service. Add
your name to the growing number of right-minded and just people who want
to see him out now, while he still has a little time left.
Mal
2nd July 2009
Mal has nothing but blind outrage at that wanker Jack Straw's decision to go
against the parole board's recommendation to release old and frail Ronnie
Biggs. How many MPs are being arrested for stealing public money? What
absolute hypocrisy!!!!!!
Baby Peter's murderers: Peter's mother was ordered to be held indefinitely,
until "deemed no longer to be a risk to the public and in particular to
small children", with a MINIMUM TERM OF FIVE YEARS. Her boyfriend was
sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape, with a MINIMUM SENTENCE OF TEN
YEARS, and a 12-YEAR SENTENCE for his role in the death of Peter, to run
CONCURRENTLY. Jason "Owen" was also jailed indefinitely and will serve AT
LEAST THREE YEARS. The sentences were criticised as too lenient by the
NSPCC's chief executive, and the Attorney General considered referring them
to the Court of Appeal for review, but concluded there was "no realistic
prospect" of the Court of Appeal increasing the sentences. Where was fecking
Jack Straw THEN???? It seems that stealing money (unless you're an MP) is a
far more heinous crime than cruelly murdering a child!
Jack Straw should be thoroughly ASHAMED of himself for not giving due regard
to the nature of crime rather than making random decisions about how truly
serious a crime is and intervening when it is appropriate! Countless MPs
should be indicted for FRAUD. "Oh, but I gave the money back when I was
discovered." If that philosophy was applied to the general public then the
prisons would be virtually empty.
Ronnie Biggs is far from innocent, but he played a very minor part in a
crime where EVERYONE received a 30 year sentence. He was a carpenter NOT a
criminal mastermind. Those 30 year sentences were responsible for criminals
throughout the UK saying "Well, if I'm going to get 30 years for robbery I
might as well go tooled up." What Jack Straw (SPIT) forgets/ignores is that,
by his decision, he is perpetuating that idea. Straw's only concern seems to
be that Ronnie got publicity during his years of freedom and made the
government seem stupid. Well people, do you believe we have an intelligent
or stupid government?
So, come on down Jack Straw and explain to us plebs how a frail old man who
is wheel chair bound, cannot talk or feed himself and will probably spend
his remaining days in a hospital is a menace to society. Is there a fear
that he will transmit his evil plans to the criminal fraternity via the
cards he uses to spell out words? I can easily see how you can equate Ronnie
with Lex Luther when you live in fantasy world!
1st July 2009
At first I hoped that this was some sort of April 1st Joke ... but it's July
1st and it's no joke:
Train robber Ronnie Biggs refused parole:
minister
LONDON (AFP) — One of Britain's most notorious
criminals, Ronnie Biggs, was refused parole Wednesday by Justice Secretary
Jack Straw who said the 79-year-old train robber was "wholly unrepentant".
Straw said Biggs had "outrageously courted the media" during more than three
decades on the run after escaping from prison in 1965, where he was serving
a 30-year sentence for his role in the 1963 Great Train Robbery.
In a statement, Straw said: "Mr Biggs chose to serve only one year of a
30-year sentence before he took the personal decision to commit another
offence and escape from prison, avoiding capture by travelling abroad for 35
years whilst outrageously courting the media.
"Had he complied with his sentence, he would have been a free man many years
ago."
Biggs' lawyer Giovanni Di Stefano told the BBC the decision was "perverse"
and "obscene", and said his client was in an extremely frail state.
He said: "He is in hospital, he has a nasal gastric feed, he has had three
strokes, he can't walk, he can't talk... all the other (Great Train Robbers)
served a third of their sentences. Why should Mr Biggs be different?"
The Great Train Robbery saw a 15-strong gang hold up a London to Glasgow
mail train, making off with 2.6 million pounds in the money of the day.
The gang attacked the train driver with an iron bar. The driver never
returned to work and died seven years later without making a full recovery.
[Mal says: "This shit about the driver has
been regurgitated time and time again. It has been proved beyond doubt that
the driver died of natural causes that were completely unrelated to the
injuries he suffered during the raid, but the press love to bring it up in
some vain attempt to justify the ridiculous sentences handed out. I was
bashed on the head a number of years ago. When I eventually die will it be
linked to that event?"]
Biggs played a minor role [NOTE: "minor
role"]in the hold-up but was jailed
for 30 years in 1964, but escaped by scaling the wall of the prison and
jumping onto the roof of a furniture van.
He eventually fled to Brazil, where he was often pictured in British
newspapers enjoying a party, but handed himself over to the British
authorities in 2001 and was sent back to jail.
This is a vindictive and spiteful decision by a minister who is obviously
completely devoid of the human emotion of compassion. Ronnie "fell out of
bed" a few days ago and broke his hip while being guarded by three prison
officers. How much more suffering do the government and "Justice" ministers
want him to endure before they let him out to die in freedom and peace?
24th June 2009
Congratulations to the following for winning a DVD copy of the new film
"STOIC" :
Emma N.
David M.
Mark H.
Lorraine M.
Jim R.
You have all been emailed and I
await your addresses so that I can send you your
copies of this amazing film.
23rd June 2009
TOUR DATES:
MANCHESTER
Date: 14 August 2009 Time: 19:30 - 22:30
Location:Hilton Manchester Deansgate Hotel Street: 303 Deansgate Manchester.
TICKETS 08450000552 or Email:
booking@johnpaulemp.co.uk The Dave Courtney tour will be a fantastic
night with some of the whos who of Britains underworld being interviewed
LIVE on stage. These will include interviews from Howard Marks, Carlton
Leach & Jason Marriner
BRISTOL
Date: 12 August 2009 Time: 19:30 - 22:30
Location: Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre, Street: Old Market, 2 Lower
Castle street.
BS13AD. TICKETS 08450000552 or Email:
booking@johnpaulemp.co.uk The Dave Courtney tour will be a fantastic
night with some of the whos who of Britains underworld being interviewed
LIVE on stage. These will include interviews from Howard Marks, Carlton
Leach & Jason Marriner
LIVERPOOL
Date: 13 August 2009 Time: 19:30 - 22:30
Location: Crowne Plaza Liverpool. Street: St.Nicholas Place, Princes Dock,
Pier Head, Liverpool. TICKETS 08450000552 or Email:
booking@johnpaulemp.co.uk The Dave Courtney tour will be a fantastic
night with some of the whos who of Britains underworld being interviewed
LIVE on stage. These will include interviews from -Howard Marks, Carlton
Leach & Jason Marriner
BIRMINGHAM
Date: 15 August 2009 Time: 19:30 - 22:30
Location: Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel Street: National Exhibition
Centre, Birmingham. TICKETS 08450000552 or Email:
booking@johnpaulemp.co.uk.The Dave Courtney tour will be a fantastic
night with some of the whos who of Britains underworld being interviewed
LIVE on stage. These will include interviews from -Howard Marks, Carlton
Leach & Jason Marriner
BLACKPOOL
Date: 16 August 2009 Time: 19:30 - 22:30
Location: Hilton Hotel, Street: Promenade, Blackpool. TICKETS 08450000552 or
Email:booking@johnpaulemp.co.uk.
The Dave Courtney tour will be a fantastic night with some of the whos who
of Britains underworld being interviewed LIVE on stage. These will include
interviews from -Howard Marks, Carlton Leach & Jason Marriner
NEWCASTLE
Date: 17 August 2009 Time: 19:30 - 22:30
Location: Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Hotel, Street: Bottle Bank, Gateshead,
Newcastle upon Tyne. TICKETS 08450000552 or Email:
booking@johnpaulemp.co.uk.The Dave Courtney tour will be a fantastic
night with some of the whos who of Britains underworld being interviewed
LIVE on stage. These will include interviews from -Howard Marks, Carlton
Leach & Jason Marriner
ESSEX
18 August 2009 ....Time: 19:30 - 22:30
Location: Essex... Venue to be advised! FOR TICKETS CALL 08450000552 or
Email:
booking@johnpaulemp.co.uk.The Dave Courtney tour will be a fantastic
night with some of the whos who of Britains underworld being interviewed
LIVE on stage. These will include interviews from - Howard Marks AKA Mr Nice
- Carlton Leach & Jason Marriner
AUDIENCE WITH DAVE COURTNEY IN SHEPPERTON....
17th JULY 2009
Tel.........07957 658847 for tickets (which are only £10) or email.....melaniegreening@btinternet.com
16th June 2009
STOIC
Inspired by a real life account of the violence and
brutality behind the bars of one of the world’s most notorious prisons,
STOIC tells the story of the bloody aftermath of a shockingly
violent death at the hands of three infamous hooligans.
Shifting between the police interrogation and flashbacks leading up to
the event itself, the shocking truth behind what three brutal criminals
are capable of is eventually revealed.
Starring Edward Furlong (AMERICAN HISTORY X, TERMINATOR 2), STOIC is a
gripping, visceral and distressing tale of hard men trapped in an even
harder place that will stay with you long after the doors slam shut …
I'm lucky enough to have seen a pre-release copy of
STOIC and I can tell you it's a film well worth watching.
STOIC is Certificate 18, RRP £15.99 and
released on 22nd June and to celebrate the release I have secured 5
copies of the DVD to GIVE AWAY.
All you have to do is email me by clicking on
mal@davecourtney.com with the subject heading STOIC before
the end of Sunday 21st June. All entries will be entered into a random
draw, from which five winners will be chosen. The winners will be
notified and asked for their addresses and the DVDs will be sent next
week and it won't cost you a penny. Touch!
Please note that the competition is restricted to
people with addresses in the UK. GOOD LUCK.
7th June 2009
Tel Currie’s new book
Left Hooks And Dangerous Crooks
is causing a storm everywhere. The ‘Chaps’ love it and Tel is snowed under.
He's in demand for interviews in Ireland, Scotland and even Europe!
My mate Tel let me into a secret today about what’s being planned for this
amazing read ... and it’s BIG! But I can’t share the secret with you
just yet. I will keep you informed.
Lastly, Tel would like to thank everyone who has bought the book. I must
admit (and I’m not just saying this) I have never never read a book like
it!. If you don’t have this you REALLY ARE MISSING OUT!
28th May 2009
From Giovani de
Stephano:
RONNIE BIGGS:- THE INSIDE STORY BY MIKE GRAY
27 May 2009: Mike Gray the author of the book has an Interview with RTN (Round
Town News Newspaper) the largest Ex-Pat newspaper on the Costa Calida (& Costa
Blanca) on Monday, June 8th in AMIGOS BAR, San Pedro Del Pinitar, Costa Calida
at 2pm and will be having a Book Signing in the Bar as well, following the
Interview.
BUY THE BOOK its really good and if you are in Spain at that time listen and go
to the bar for a drink and buy the book.
19th May 2009
Dave Courtney & Friends 2009 Tour
With guests
FREDDIE FOREMAN, CARLTON LEACH, JASON MARRINER. Members of the audience will
have the opportunity to take part in a Question and Answer session.
Friday 29 May at 7.30pm at St David's Hall, The Hayes, Cardiff CF10 1AH [MAP].
Tickets are £25 Tier 1 & Centre Stalls, £20 All other areas (Plus a £1.50 per
ticket booking fee for all credit and debit card transactions.) To book either
call the Box Office on 029 2087 8444 or
BOOK ONLINE
18th May 2009
On
May 22nd, Tel Currie’s long awaited book
Left Hooks And Dangerous Crooks is released. It's the story of the fight
game - from the start to today. If you read the comments of those who got a
pre-read you will see it’s a book not to miss (link)!
The truths, the lies, the myths they are all in here.
Tel says: "I'd like
to thank Charlie and Veronica Richardson, Roy Shaw, Mike Gray and especially Mal
Vango. Here’s what Mal thinks of the book:"
"I have known Tel for years and years .. and then
some. He is genuinely respected by ALL the Chaps and has been a trusted
confidante to all. Tel was responsible - in the early days - for
introducing me to people like Freddie Foreman, Charlie Richardson, Roy Shaw
and many other names that you would be very familiar with. Let me tell you
that an introduction from Tel to people like that is like getting a personal
written introduction from Ronnie and Reggie.
One thing I have learned about Tel over time: he
doesn't bullshit. If Tel says something is so ... then something is
exactly so! Tel allowed me the privilege of reading this book long ahead
of it's release date and I can tell you that it is packed with myth-busting
truths, many of which I was completely unaware of. It's a compulsive read. I
know 'cos I couldn't put it down.
I don't bullshit either when I recommend this book
to you and say that if you buy only ONE book this year then buy THIS ONE!"
8th May 2009
BRONSON: OUT SOON!
BRONSON is
released on DVD and Blu-Ray on 6th June 2009 and the Original Soundtrack is
available now. It received rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival and will
be shown in the International Showcase at The 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival. To either pre-order the film or buy the soundtrack follow the
following links:
Charles
Bronson has at last been let out of solitary confinement. The parole board
met on March 11 and are considering whether to release him on licence. Charlie
says he was promised a move to Woodhill (Category A), Buckinghamshire, while the
board made up its mind, but he has been moved from his cage at HMP Wakefield to
the secure wing of Long Lartin jail in Worcestershire.
Our good friend
Mark Fish says: "They've stuck him in Long Lartin and refused to tell anyone
he's there. They are trying to put him back in his place after the film and
teach him a lesson. They are trying to crack him and make him kick off again.
They want to be able to say 'See, we told you what he's like'."
I know that a lot
of people swear by their knuckleduster in a fight, but get caught with one in
your possession in a public place (even if it's in your car) and it'll cost you
6 months of liberty. I've had a metal kubotan on my keyring for years and it's a
great instrument for self defence against most attacks, believe me. The problem
is that I always have to leave it in the car when I go clubbing because it
always sets the club's metal detectors off. Recently I came across
Elite
Kubotans, who sell a very hard polymer version that's just as good as my
metal one. They even have one made of para-cord that is just as effective but
far less likely to be taken away by over-zealous guards. Learn to use one and
you'll persuade most hard-nuts to leave you alone. If you're not
convinced about kubotans then just watch the following two videos:
and just to prove that the last guy, Master Angelo, is no pratt, watch these:
I wouldn't want to be his sparring mate!
22nd April 2009
STATEMENT FROM
GIOVANNI DI STEFANO LAWYER FOR MR. RONALD BIGGS
"The Home Office have today served upon me the final
disclosures for Mr. Biggs in compliance with the current legislation and for
the Parole Board hearing tomorrow. I am pleased to confirm that the
recomendation from the Probabtion and Assessment Groups are to RELEASE Mr.
Biggs on parole on the due date of July 3rd, 2009. The Parole Board will
meet tomorrow morning and decide instantly after consultations. The decision
will be communicated to Mr. Biggs by fax and to me by email. The release of
Mr. Biggs will be to a nursing home as he requires 24 hour medical care
following his several strokes. I am deeply obliged to the Justice Minister
for not contesting my submission that Mr. Biggs should be treated in
accordance with the 'old law' of 1968 (one third parole) as opposed to the
current legislation of serving half the sentence prior to parole. That has
invariable saved Mr. Biggs a further five years in custody and allows him to
spend his days with his family as a free man after having paid his debt to
justice. I also have to thank the Parole Board and the Administration at the
Justice Department that have co-operated with me ensuring that each and
every document was disclosed on a timely basis and answering my myriads of
questions. I also have to thank 39,776 ordinary citizens of the nited
Kingdom who wrote, faxed, emailed, signed the petition on our website in
support of Ronnie Biggs. They were the true victims of the so called 'Great
Train Robbery' and it is they that have spoken by supporting his release."
12th April 2009
RONALD BIGGS
PAROLE
The following is an
announcement by Giovanni di Stephano:
" I am pleased to confirm that the Parole Board will meet on the 23rd April 2009
at their London HQ to decide on the above matter. Mr Biggs will be notified the
same day and a decision made that very day regarding the date of release. The
earliest date of release is July 3rd 2009. I have attached below a copy of my
submissions to the Board."
A
little bird tells me that there is a rather rare autograph of Lenny "The
Guv'nor" McLean up for grabs over on Ebay. I can't remember the last time I
saw one of those for sale, so, if you're interested take a look by clicking
HERE. There's only a day left to bid, so don't waste time.
8th April 2009
The Author Mike
Gray of the new Ronnie Biggs book "The Inside Story" was placed under "House
Arrest" on Saturday, as he signed copies of his book in Dorest.
Mike (Also the Organiser of The Free Ronnie Biggs Campaign and close family
friend of Ronnie & Michael Biggs) was suprised to find a retired Ex- CID
Detective gate crash his book signing, Charlie "Chas" Chase, who arrested the
first two Great Train Robbers (Roger Corderey & William Boal in Dorset) in
August 1963, arrived to give Mike his full story of events and stayed for almost
the full 2-Hour Book signing ?
Mike Gray, who had travelled down to Poole (Dorset) from Epsom (Surrey) was
totally surprised, at the Ex-Great Train Robbery DI, taking over his book
signing, Mike said "What could I do, I was in a situation where I had to honour
my publishers 2-hour signing slot, when in walked "Chas" with his local
newspapers reporter & photographer in tow ?
After the 90 minute "Chat" Chas left and also left Mike totally confused, as to
why he had shown interest anyway, as the only two points he raised, were that
the Train driver was coshed, and that Ronnie Biggs was a "Winner" due to his
parole this July.
Mike informed the Waterstones shop Manager, and was told that Chas was a local
hero, due to his Great Train Robbery knowledge and exploits, but Detective
Chase's knowledge of Mr Biggs, was nowhere near that of author Mike, who
mentioned many facts that Chas found amazing, and repeated on more than one
occasion "I didn't know that....."
The Bournemouth Echo reported the Story as follows.........
Great Train Robber author signs book in Poole THE author who has tirelessly
campaigned for Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs’ release had a surprise visit at
his Poole book signing.
Former Bournemouth detective Charlie ‘Chas’ Case, who made the first arrests of
the audacious heist that stunned a nation in the summer of 1963, decided to pop
along after reading of the event in The Daily Echo.
The meeting was all the more poignant as wheelchair bound Biggs, 79, who has
suffered a string of serious health problems since returning from life on the
run in Brazil, is set to be released from prison in three months.
Mr Case, whose attitude to renegade Biggs has not softened over the years, said:
“I thought it may be interesting to meet this author, but I still believe Biggs
should have been returned to face justice decades ago.
“Even though a lot of the other robbers had their sentences reduced to 14 years,
Biggs is still a winner.
“Understand, it was us and them, and he was one of them, a crook.”
Mike Gray, co-author of ‘Ronnie Biggs – The Inside Story’ and founder of the
Free Ronnie Biggs Campaign, was all too happy to make Charlie’s acquaintance,
even exchanging notes on the infamous crime.
He said: “Bournemouth has this important link to the Great Train Robbers.
“Two of them were caught and arrested here, by Mr Case, after trying to rent a
garage for cash from a police officer’s widow.
“But I have always said that Ronnie Biggs was being slowly crucified on the Home
Office cross, and now we have been officially informed that he’ll be paroled.”
The two men Charlie arrested, Roger Cordrey and William Boal, were later
sentenced to a total of 44 years.
Meanwhile, Ronnie used a rope ladder to escape from Wandsworth Prison and
eventually fled to Brazil where he spent decades as a fugitive from British
justice.
After suffering three strokes, he returned, voluntarily, to Britain in 2001,
where he was immediately arrested and imprisoned.
Biggs was originally sentenced to 30 years for his part in the robbery of a
Glasgow to London mail train – when he is paroled he will have spent just 10
years behind bars.
The 15-strong gang escaped with a record haul of £2.6 million in used bank
notes.
Mr Case said: “If it wasn’t for the fact they used violence I would have loved
to have been a fly on the wall while the robbery happened. It must have taken
military precision.”
Underworld rumours persisted for years that £50,000 of the stolen money was
stashed somewhere in Bournemouth – a house in Westbourne was partly demolished
following a tip-off in 1974, but no cash was found.
"RONNIE BIGGS- THE INSIDE STORY" PUBLISHED IN FEBRUARY 2009, TELLS FOR THE FIRST
TIME ABOUT RONNIE BIGGS TREATMENT IN HMP BELMARSH & NORWICH, SINCE HIS UK RETURN
IN MAY 2001, MIKE GRAY VISITS BIGGS EVERY TWO MONTHS AND HAS DONE SO FOR THE
PAST 8 YEARS AND STILL DOES SO TO THIS DAY- BIGGS IS DUE FOR PAROLE ON FRIDAY,
JULY 3rd THIS YEAR.
SHOULD FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE AUTHOR (MIKE GRAY) OR INTERVIEWS/BOOK
SIGNINGS/BOOK PRESS RELEASES BE REQUIRED, PLEASE CONTACT JACKIE BRIGHT AT APEX
PUBLISHING (WWW.APEXPUBLISHING.CO.UK)
25th March 2009
EXCLUSIVE NEWS
JUST IN: After a lot of persuading, our close pal Tel Currie will be signing
copies of his and Mike Gray’s book ‘Ronnie Biggs -The Inside Story’ at
Waterstone's in Cheltenham Gloucs this Saturday 28th March from 11am-1pm. This
is the one single signing Tel is doing, he will be doing no more after Saturday
so get down there!!!!
20th March 2009
Dave Courtney OBE to host charity event 5th April Aquarium Nightclub
London
Friends and fans will be interested to hear that they will soon have the
opportunity to join Dave Courtney OBE, who will be hosting a family,
charitable event on Sun, April 5th 2009, 2pm-8pm at The Aquarium Nightclub,
Old Street, London, EC1 in association with Free Spirit/Hidden Talent to
promote the awareness of the Women’s Aid Organisation, supporting women and
children suffering domestic abuse and violence.
Suzy Quatro and live bands will also be performing at this event. Tickets
only £5!!! Buy them on the door of the Aquarium. Hope to see you there!
11th March 2009
The following message comes from Michael Grey:
I
have spoken to Giovanni Di Stefano, who tells me that Ronnie's parole
hearing is set for July 3rd. So we are all hoping and praying that the
Parole Board will decide to release him at last on that day, as he will of
completed 10 of his Original 30 Year sentence. It would be a superb 80th
birthday present for him on August 8th.
Tel and I hope that our new book
The Inside Story has helped raise awareness in
the UK/world to Ronnie's current situation, and since starting these book
signings five weeks ago, its amazing how many people ask me if Ronnie is
still alive ?
JULY 3rd - Let's see the gates of HMP Norwich open, with Ronnie in his
wheelchair, as he was pictured eight years ago in Rio De Janeiro airport
returning home. But this time as a Free Man (apart from his electronic Tag).
Mal, once again I would like to thank you for your
superb web skills and journalistic skills in promoting Ronnie's plight. Even
back in 2001 you were a strong supporter and have been loyal to us at the
Free Ronnie Biggs Campaign and continue to be loyal and honest.
Tel Currie and Michael Grey will be at Waterstone's, 76 High Street,
Chelmsford, CM1 1EJ [MAP]
between 12 and 2 pm on Saturday, March 21st for a book signing of their new book
The Inside Story, so please go along and support them and show your
support for Ronnie. You know it makes sense!
5th March 2009
I get a lot of emails from you asking about viruses, trojans, scams,
malware, spyware, etc. etc. Most of them ask about the best programme around
to beat them. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to reply to all these queries
individually, so to save me disappointing you all I decided to put this on Dave's site and try to give you the benefit of my
experience.
I've tried most of the popular anti-virus software over the years. McAfee
(not worth the money), Norton (eeeeek! Norton has cost me all the data on
TWO hard discs!), AVG (sure, it's free ... but you get what you pay for).
They all get a "C Minus" from me.
As you may know, I design and run a lot of websites and my PC is connected to the
internet practically 24 hours a day, so protection from all the attacks is
of maximum importance. About two years ago I found the ultimate answer to all
my problems. An anti-virus programme that does everything I wanted and a lot
more. Panda Internet Security 2009 is the ultimate solution as far as
I'm concerned. For a start, I don't have to pay for a whole year
subscription in one go, it updates itself in the background and it has
stopped every single virus that's come my way. It monitors my browsers,
emails and PC relentlessly and, several times a day, alerts me to the fact
that it has stopped yet another intrusion into my computer (until I loaded
Panda I had no idea so many attempts to access my PC were going on). Most
importantly, it has a very clever scan of all files and can work out if
something is dodgy, even if it's not in it's virus list! The Panda
website even has a very powerful FREE virus scanner which will
detect anything malicious on your own PC (or Mac if you're that way
inclined).
Panda gets the official "Thumbs Up" Award from me and all my pals in
the web designing world. Of course, I still look at all the other anti-virus
software that's on offer, but nothing so far can touch my Panda Internet
Security 2009.
Mal
4th March 2009
The following just in from our great friend Tel Currie:
Hi All,
You may have seen there has been a lot of news about Ronnie Biggs in the
media lately ... most of it completely inaccurate!
As you may or may not know, my friend Mike Gray and I have written a book
(published by Apex) called 'Ronnie Biggs - The Inside Story'. Using his word
board, Ronnie has given us (myself, Mike and often Roy Shaw) THE TRUTH!
1) Ronnie NEVER even set foot upon the train. He was on the grass verge with
a spare train driver who turned out to be useless!
2) People constantly say that the train driver Jack Mills was killed by
injuries sustained by the train. Mills actually died SEVEN YEARS LATER of
LEUKAEMIA. No disrespect, but where is the link to the robbery and Mills
tragic death? If he was that hurt, how did he get back behind the train
controls and drive it to where Reynolds wanted it when the alternate driver
turned out to be useless??? Like it or not ... it was all propaganda!!
3) It is a fact that three of the robbers got away and have not been caught
to this day. One of those three was the one who actually coshed Jack Mills
... FACT!! Every the train robber held their silence. Imagine that today:
they would be climbing over each over to make statements!!! So, the unlucky
ones got THIRTY YEARS for a man who was not even on trial!!
4) In the words of the leader, Bruce Reynolds: "Ronnie was the tea boy"
meaning he was at the bottom of the chain! Some reports have Ron as the
'robbery mastermind'. Even Ron laughed at that!
5) The robbery was NOT an armed robbery. Reynolds insisted on NO guns or
knives!
6) If Ronnie was a hardened villain, why did he not make money from crime in
Brazil, as Charlie Wilson did in Spain (and a lot of others have done all
over the world) or ended up in the drug world like Wilson, Tommy Wisbey and
Eddie Richardson? He chose instead to make self-deprecating T-shirts and
other dignity stripping souvenirs. Unfortunately, that is what made it look
like he was taking the piss out of the system. But he was trying to promote
T-shirts with things like 'I met Ronnie Biggs in Brazil.' He would rather be
self-deprecating than go back into crime!! Ronnie wasn't a villain, he was
actually a carpenter.
7) The idea that prison is rehabilitation/change for the better! Ronnie is
remembered as a young man climbing over the wall forty-something years ago.
Today he is a man who can't talk (he uses a letter board!), can't eat (he is
fed through tube in the stomach), can't drink (accept through an
intravenous drip!), can barely walk (uses a wheelchair), caught MRSA). How
can he be seen as a threat to society today? Even if released, he would be
in his own prison but tax payers won't have to pay for it. Can you change
more than that?
8) I have talked to many of these idiots that say he should stay in prison.
They do NOT know their facts and have done NO research; they are stumped
after two minutes of serious debate! You know: EMPTY VESSELS MAKE THE
LOUDEST NOISE!!!! Opinions are a reward for knowing your facts: everyone is
entitled to them but I believe they should be earned by research! There are
so many things I don't know about. So, if it comes to something I don't
know, I listen and research. But most people just seem to shout crap out!
The facts on here, by the way, come from myself, Mike Gray, Mike Biggs and
Roy Shaw who are Ron's most regular visitors. Also, Freddie Foreman (who hid
all the train Robbers and got them out of the country). Fred knows and knew
EVERYONE ... but he had never heard of Ronnie. Just proves how big a villain
Ron was!
Bruce Reynolds, ALL the 'Chaps' and even screws on visits don't think he
should be in there! We ALWAYS question the screws and they always say that
they never believe he should be in there!!
9) The system will wait until IT know Ron has got about three weeks left ...
and then release him on "compassionate grounds". That way they look humane
and Ron's out of their hair! The same thing happened with Reg Kray
(strangely, also in Norwich!) and NOT ALL the train robbers served 30 years:
'Buster' Edwards got 15 years but never served it all.
10) Just to let you know, there is a lot of talk about Ron's so called
'friends' taking bribe money to make sure Ron didn't change his mind and got
on the plane, while knowing that he was going straight to prison! A LOT of 'Heavy Duty
Chaps' have the hump and say Ronnie was handed over like a cow for cash!!
Thank you to Mike Gray, Mike Biggs, Ronnie Biggs, Roy Shaw, 'All the decent
chaps' and a man I really admire - Mal Vango! Without him our messages -
whether you like them or not - would not so easily be published. Mal is as
important as anyone I have already mentioned. He is a gem NOT to be taken
for granted. If you want to meet a man who knows and is trusted by everyone
with every secret ... Mal is the man!
'RONNIE BIGGS - THE INSIDE STORY' by Tel Currie and Mike Gray - foreword by
Michael Biggs, published by Apex is out now. Check these two links:
Tyrone Briscoe CURRENT WORLD, EUROPEAN & BRITISH KARATE CHAMPION! SPONSOR
NEEDED...
Tyrone
Briscoe is aged 13 & already become the current world, European & British
karate champion. During the past two years Tyrone has fought nationally &
Internationally, he is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with and being
talked about all over the world from Japan to Australia. Being invited by
some of the top exponents of karate in the world to train with them. Local
press have also begun to do regular articles on him & the rest of the Kaizen
ryu squad. Many of the squad have also won titles. Tyrone needs a sponsor,
with your support he can achieve even more success & whilst doing so
advertise your company, the whole squad can wear your logo on hats, uniform
or on the photo advertising and as this goes world wide you will be sure to
benefit from this! If you think you can help, please send me a message. Be
Lucky, Dave Courtney OBE
2nd February 2009
1st February 2009
REG KRAY'S BRACELET
BIDDING OVER
THE WINNING BID WAS
Our congratulations to the very lucky winner
28th January 2009
BIDDING ALERT
... a sudden burst of
interest :
Bidding stands at £1,550
Just to let you all know that Tel Currie will be interviewed about
his book 'Left Hooks and Dangerous Crooks' on Kerrang! Radio 105.2 FM
at 6.30 pm on Wednesday 4th February 2009. Tel will be interviewed on 'The
Nick Margerrison Show'. To listen to the show please visit:
http://www.kerrangradio.co.uk/
27th January 2009
BIDDING ALERT
At an auction held by
Chiswick Auctions last night Kray memorabilia fetched £100,000. The
most expensive item was a pair of Ron's cufflinks which went for £10,000!
The owner of the "Legend" bracelet has contacted Chiswick who reckon
that they would fetch a minimum of £3,500 if they were to auction it.
Also, the owner tells me that he lent the bracelet to actor Tom
Hardy, who wore it during the shooting of the new film "Bronson".
Highest bid is still £1,200.
You only have
until Sunday night to bid on the bracelet.
GIVEN TO HIM BY BRADLEY ALLARDYCE AS A WEDDING
PRESENT
Bradley Allardyce attended Reg Kray's prison wedding to Roberta and gave him
this solid gold bracelet as a wedding present. It weighs over an ounce and
has two large sapphires set into it. On the reverse is inscribed: "GOOMBAH -
FROM YOUR SON GOOMBAH". (Goombah was understood by the two to be a New York
slang word for a boss in organised crime - specifically a Mafia boss.)
The owner of this unique piece of Kray memorabilia now wishes to sell the
item, so we are inviting anyone interested to bid on the item. It is 100%
genuine and has been a treasured possession of the seller, who bought it
after Bradley pawned it (Allerdyce got it back from Reg just before Reg died
in 2000).
We already have interest from collectors who have heard that it is for sale.
An offer of £1,000 has been made, so bidding starts at £1,050. If you wish
to make a bid then email
mal@davecourtney.com now with your mobile number and bid so that we can
contact you. All genuine bidders will receive updates on how bidding is
going on a daily basis. Bidding will stop at MIDNIGHT on Sunday 1st February
2009. The winning bidder will pay the courier charge and insurance and will
be informed of the current owner's identity.
It is doubtful whether this piece (or anything of similar personal nature to
Reg Kray) will find its way into public auction again for as very long time,
so don't miss out.
22nd January 2009
West Ham take on Millwall. Take a look at
THIS from Joe Pyle.
20th January 2009
OPEN and SHUT!
Well, the case opened in Bristol Crown Court today and closed. The first
four and a half hours were taken up with legal arguments. "How do you
plead?" asked Judge Ticehurst.
"Not Guilty" replied Dave.
"Errrr ... you can't plead Not Guilty Mr. Courtney!" said the judge.
"Why not?" asked Dave. "Surely it's every man's right to plead Not Guilty in
this country?"
It hinged around technicalities. The Judge said that because Dave had signed
a piece of paper umpteen years ago to say that he would not carry guns or
ammunition he could not plead Not Guilty, as he had been found with said
objects on his person and this fact was not in dispute. So, there was then a
huge legal rangle about the Justice System and a man's right to plead not
guilty.
This case goes back to October 29, 2007, in Lewins Mead, Bristol, when Dave
was stopped by Old Bill because the red BMW he was in had the licence plate:
BADBOY1. OB searched Dave and his Beamer and found live ammo in his pocket
and a number of prop weapons in the boot.
Dave's counsel, Donal McGuire, told the judge that Dave was heavily
investing his time in community projects, charities and had a message for
the youth of today that "crime doesn't pay" and presented him with several
charity and MP's references.
The Judge agreed to drop all charges except one: possession of a single
bullet in his pocket. Dave said "Guilty" and Judge Ticehurst said: “I accept
the item was intended for your stage performance. I accept you were
genuinely amazed to discover the ammo was live" and gave him an 18-month
conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £750 costs within 21 days.
All Dave has to do now is stay out of trouble for eighteen months! That
said, it's a great result because it means that Dave won't have trouble
visiting America in the future. RESULT!
I would just like to thank all of you who emailed myself and Dave with
wishes of good luck. It means a lot to know that so many of you are behind
him.
19th January 2009
Hello everyone,
After spending the last few hours chatting with Dave about the developments
in his Court case he asked me to write this note to you all.
In the months leading up to the case Dave has spoken about what might happen
and I found it hard to believe, I didn't doubt Dave, but I was brought up to
believe that the British Justice System is something to be proud because it
gives everyone a fair and thorough chance of Justice being done, and to
realise it isn't gives me a lot of cause for concern, how many innocent
people are in prison and how many of the powerful go free? What is happening
right now to Dave proves beyond all reasonable doubt that our Justice system
CAN be manipulated very easily by those who have the power to do so. Here is
what has happened and Dave's thoughts:
Daves Crown
Court case has been adjourned five times keeping Dave on bail for over a
year which has denied him being able to go to America.
The Case was
supposed to start today (Monday 19th) but was adjourned until further notice
last week.
The notice came
today, Monday 19th, that the trial will begin tomorrow. How is all involved
supposed to re-arrange their diaries to fit in with ONE days notice?
It is starting
at 11.30am, on all 3 days it has been allocated, instead of the usual
10.00am, which is 4.5 hours lost over what is already a short amount of time
for this case. The first day (today) will start with signing in the Jury
which we easily take up until dinner, probably more. The afternoon will be
formalities and opening statements and arresting officer and other officers
statements including the officer that has emigrated to Australia. All of Day
two will no doubt be for the prosecutions case. Day three will have to fit
in Dave's case, summing up and The Jury working out their verdict which
probably means Dave will only get a couple of hours at most to state his
case but he would like a whole day.
Dave's main
witnesses, the major part of Dave's defence, are Garry Bushell and Bill
Murray. They had both originally booked the start of the week off to be able
to attend and testify, they both have appeared in films with Dave and have
their own bullets to use as props in the films, the same as the one Dave is
being charged with possessing. They cannot appear on the new date, Thursday,
because of commitments. They have telephoned and emailed the Court to say
they will appear via Video Link or write their testimony so it can be read
out in Court but they have been told THIS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. Dave cannot
mention this in court because, for instance, he could say Prince Phillip was
due to be his witness but could not make it, or anyone, doesn't hold water.
Is it a coincidence that on Garry Bushell's website for the last couple of
weeks he has written what he will be doing on Thursday 22nd and that is the
day the new court date falls on so he cannot appear and has been refused
written or video testimony? Dave cannot state this in Court because it is
hearsay. When Dave asked why they cannot send written testimony the answer
was 'because they are not allowed'.
If anyone has knowledge of law and any previous cases that have been given
ONE days notice and not allowed written testimony from witnesses that
unable to attend in person? Please could you email Dave because he, and I,
would love to know whether this is a regular feature of Crown Court cases,
or is it a rarity, or totally unheard of?
Dave also said "I have complete faith in the British Justice System", with a
wry smile.
Fair trial?
All the best,
'The Scarecrow'.
P.S. Shall we adjourn the revolution?
16th January 2009
MIKE GREY will be signing copies of his new hard-back
book "Ronnie Biggs - The Inside Story", which is published on 6th
February 2009.
Saturday 7th February Waterstones, Epsom 11am -
2pm.
Saturday 14th February Waterstones, Haywards Heath 3pm - 4pm.
Saturday 7th March Borders, Southampton 12 - 2pm.
Further book signings to be confirmed by Apex Publishing.
24th December 2008
to ALL of YOU
from
Dave, Jen and Mal
20th December 2008
Finally, we see the cover to Tel Currie's new book, Left Hooks and Dangerous
Crooks. I've had the chance to read it cover to cover and believe me, you
need to read this book! You can read about it and the letter that Tel
received from Ronnie Biggs by
CLICKING HERE.
28th October 2008
First-time filmmaker Nicola Collins turned the camera on her father and his
Cockney gangster friends to produce
The
End, a series of interviews with underworld criminals from London’s East
End who describe their crimes as well as the poor, violent upbringing that
shaped them and their world.
I have always considered Tel Currie as a man in the know and a good friend.
Tel has held the trust (and the ears) of ALL the Chaps for years, he doesn't
mince his words and he always tells the truth.
Wilf Pine says of Tel: "Tel Currie is the new generation. Tel is 33
years old with the mind of a 55 year old. Unlike many of the new generation,
Tel has respect and we all love him. I loved the book 'Heroes and Villains"
because it was the absolute truth. Tel Currie is a close personal friend of
myself, Roy Shaw, Freddie Foreman, Charlie Richardson, Ronnie Knight, Vic
Dark, Ronnie Biggs, Bruce Reynolds, Charlie Bronson, Joey Pyle, Howard
Marks, all the gypsy boy's etc, etc... Need I say more? Love ya' Telboy"
Roy 'Pretty Boy' Shaw: "Telboy is one of my very closest friends and
I'm not a man to keep a huge entourage around me ... I trust him 100%."
Johnny Frankham 'King of the Gypsies': "Tel is not fake or plastic
... any trouble he's there!
Jimmy Stockin: "We are always here for him and he is always there for
us ... RESPECT"
John Knight: "Tel is a great bloke who will do anything for you, as
long as you don’t take liberties. My brother Ronnie and I both have maximum
respect for him and his old school rules and values."
So, when I was fortunate enough to read early manuscripts of both his new
books ('Ronnie
Biggs - The inside Story' by Tel and Mike Gray and
'Left Hooks and Dangerous Crooks' by Tel) I realised that a lot of what
I thought I knew was wrong and found loads of stuff I didn't know at all!
Pretty amazing stuff, considering the size of my own collection of books on
the subjects he covers.
I hear from Apex Publishing that the pre-orders flooding into Apex are
overwhelming! Now, this is NOT a sales pitch ... but I strongly advise
anyone with an interest in the British gangland scene to pre-order NOW by
clicking on the links above!
Now I've finished blowing Telboy's trumpet, here's what he has to say
about me:
"Mal has been more than a web master for most of us; he has been a
solid, staunch, reliable and loyal friend to most of us, the rock we can
lean on. The work he does is brilliant!
"He is an all round underrated man, but most of us know how strong he is.
You will always get the big gob, threatening, bullying 'I will come and cut
you up' brigade because they actually think it scares people and people will
think they are hard! This just bores Mal, he is solid. It's pretty
impossible to dislike Mal and I admire that quality. His web sites are the
best and always updated, he is a true professional..... and a true friend!"
What a nice man :-)
17th October 2008
NEED A PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED WEBSITE?
Mal has a little slack in his workload at the moment (always happens
in the lead-up to Christmas). Take a look at his
webpage on this site and follow the
links to the selection of websites he's designed. Dave Courtney says of Mal
"Whenever I ask Mal for the impossible he says NO PROBLEM and it's done."
Cass Pennant reckons that his website for the film
Cass beat the official website handled by the promoters hands down.
Jason
Marriner says "I couldn't do it without Mal. He's the best."
Dave Lea
says "Mal is the best. I couldn't find better over here in the USA so I went
to Mal. His attention to detail is second to none. He's done me proud."
So, if you would like to talk to a professional about your website needs and
be amazed that he quotes around half the price of most web design companies
then start the ball rolling by emailing
Mal.
6th October 2008
Our old friend Mark Fish was out on the town in Rotheram with Dave
and Jen on Friday and enjoying himself as usual when he felt a little
off-colour. Off he went to the bog and threw up ... two pints of blood.
"That can't be right" said Mr. Fish and took himself off to the local
hospital for a service, where they told him he had a burst stomach ulcer.
Well, that pissed Mark right off for a start. It was Friday night and he had
a weekend of unadulterated adult fun planned!
"Plug up the ulcer, I've got better things to do than spend Friday night in
a sick bed" Mark told them. "I've got other beds waiting for me and this
one's needed by proper sick people." But the medical staff insisted on
taking blood samples and keeping him prisoner until the results came
through.
Then came the body blow: "Mr. Fish" they said "You've had a heart attack at
some time in the last week or so!"
"F*ck off" replied Mark. "I think I'd have remembered something like that!"
But the enzyme levels in his blood don't lie. Mark had had a full blown
heart attack and not noticed. Knowing Mark and his lifestyle as I do, I can
well believe that.
He was in typically high spirits and making jokes about everything that had
happened when he phoned me from hospital today, but that's Mark. I have
threatened to take six burly geezers up there to hold him down while I give
him a good kicking unless he mends his ways (any volunteers?). The world
needs people like Mark to keep it turning. I'm sure that all of you reading
this will wish Mr. F a speedy recovery.
If you want to get a message of support to him (or a threat if you're brave
enough) then feel free to email me at
mal@davecourtney.com and I'll be happy to pass all of them on to the
man.
2nd October 2008
Interested in booking An Audience with Freddie Forman,
Carlton Leach, Jason Marriner, Big Joe Egan? It just got easier! Clear
Perceptions are now the people to talk to for getting all of the hardest of
the hard to your venue. Just go to the
Clear Perceptions website to enquire.
Clear Perceptions Ltd is a Promotions, Event Management and Security
company based in Essex. Clear Perceptions was founded in January 2008 by
Carlton Leach and Bill Hickey (who are both Partners of the company). After
the success of their first show "Rise of the Footsoldier Official UK Tour-An
Audience with Carlton Leach" Carlton and Bill decided to take this show on
the road and so Clear Perceptions was born. Since January the business has
gone from strength to strength and along with project managing events has
also expanded into the security industry with many new ventures on the
horizon.......
2nd September 2008
Dave Courtney will be at The Queens Hotel, 274 Marine Road Central,
Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 5BY on the 6th September for "An Audience with
Dave Courtney". There will also be a memorabilia charity auction, photos and
signings, etc. promoting 'Care for your Schools'. Dave is leading the
campaign to raise £10m for all UK schools, the campaign is to assist
individual schools to raise an additional £30k per year to help with funding
to provide better facilities, which also supports 'Lets Knock Out Bullying'.
Tickets are £10 in advance £15 on the door (availability not guaranteed)
Doors open at 8, show starts at 9 (no entry during show) Ticket Hotline:
07944453560
1st September 2008
Tel Currie, Eddie Richardson and Roy Shaw
Our great friend Tel Currie has been busy again. He's written a truly
classic book called ‘LEFT HOOKS and DANGEROUS CROOKS’.
It’s the one of the best and most thrilling book I have read in years and,
being a close friend of Tel’s, I know that it’s ALL TRUE! Read on ...
This book charts for the very first time, the complete TRUE story of
unlicensed and bare knuckle boxing. From the great Gypsy showdowns and
fighters like ‘King of the Gypsy’s’ Johnny Frankham and Jimmy Stockin
through Roy Shaw, Joey Pyle Snr, Alex Steen and the conception of unlicensed
fighting and the very first unlicensed fight through Donny ‘The Bull’ Adams,
Lenny McLean, Columbo, Harry Starbuck and Cliff Field. The REAL truth about
Lenny McLean and Bartley Gorman and what REALLY happened in the epic 3 fight
Shaw v Mclean saga. The book takes you through all of Lenny Mclean’s defeats
and studies the men who beat him. The book also takes you through the
underworld and introduces the reader to Tel’s close friends, some of who he
worked for including Charlie Richardson, Freddie Foreman, Ronnie Knight,
Howard Marks, Johnny Nash, Carlton Leach, Roy ‘Pretty Boy’ Shaw, Wilf Pine,
Chris Lambrianou, ‘Big’ Albert Chapman, Jason Mariner all contribute! The
foreword is by Roy ‘Pretty Boy’ Shaw.
Follow this link.
Also, Tel and Mike Grey have teamed up to write the official story of Ronnie
Bigg’s years back in England after his return from Brazil in 2001. Tel, Mike
and Roy Shaw are Ronnie’s most loyal and regular visitors and Ronnie has
fully backed the book with a foreword by Ronnie’s son, Mike Biggs.This is a
powerful document... And it’s ALL THE TRUTH!!
Follow this link.
This site
contains strong language and adult material. If this is likely to
offend you then you are strongly recommended to leave - NOW!
WARNING: THE COPYRIGHT TO THIS
SITE DOES NOT ALLOW THE ILLEGAL DOWNLOADING OF ANY ITEM, WHICH IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENCE UNDER THE 1988 DESIGN AND COPYRIGHT LAW.