Crime.

As many will be aware, there are a number of documentaries on both BBC iPlayer and on streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime that feature people who are regarded as being the most dangerous prisoners in the UK. Some of these programmes are quite sensational, and perhaps somewhat exaggerated whilst others are quite measured and down to earth. One thing that is common amongst these documentaries is that many of the prisoners featured are housed in our local prison Belmarsh. What is noticeable in my opinion Is that this local prison in Thamesmead is hardly ever mentioned locally, almost as if it is invisible yet, In reality, it is the most high security prison in the entire country and houses the most dangerous murderers, terrorists and other extremely dangerous criminals, yet it is almost like it does not exist. It strikes me that there is almost a local blind spot when it comes to this huge ultra high security prison in Thamesmead. That means that locals almost do not realise that it is there even though it houses some of the most dangerous people not only in the country, but possibly in the world. I know of one friend who visited the prison as a guest as he was contemplating a job working there but after just one day he decided it certainly was not for him, as the regime was so strict not only for prisoners but also for the staff that work there. Belmarsh not only has a high security prison, but it also is the site for Woolwich Crown Court which is used for many high-profile terrorist cases. The world's media and press often congregate outside the gates of Belmarsh when a high-profile criminal case is held in the court and whilst the accused is housed within the prison complex. But other than that, local people seem to have a complete blind spot when it comes to this incredibly important high security prison and court complex. Belmarsh has a long and involved history. Belmarsh is a Category A Prison holding inmates from all over England and Wales. It also houses other categories of prisoners from primarily the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) and Magistrates' Courts in South East London as well as Crown and Magistrates' Courts in South West Essex. Accommodation at the prison is a mixture of approximately 60% multi-occupancy cells and 40% single cells, distributed mainly across four residential units. Inmates at Belmarsh are offered access to education, workshops and two gyms. The gym staff have a partnership with Charlton Athletic F.C. to deliver FA accredited coaching courses for prisoners. Belmarsh became operational on April 2, 1991.  It holds the distinction of being the first adult male prison built in London since Wormwood Scrubs in 1874. It was built on part of the former Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. Belmarsh is a Category A prison, the highest security classification in the UK. This means it houses prisoners considered the most dangerous to the public. It also functions as a local prison, serving courts in southeast London and southwest Essex. It contains a High Security Unit (HSU) for the highest risk category A prisoners. Belmarsh has gained notoriety for holding individuals involved in terrorism-related offences. Its role in detaining individuals under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 led to comparisons with "Guantanamo Bay." The prison has been subject to scrutiny regarding its treatment of inmates, with concerns raised about conditions and human rights. The prison handles a complex population, with a mix of high-risk Category A prisoners and those held on remand. It provides access to education, workshops, and gym facilities, alongside programmes addressing substance misuse and resettlement. The prison has been subject to inspections, and reports are published regarding the conditions and operation of the facility. The most notorious current inmates of Belmarsh include, but are not limited to:- Ali Harbi Ali, who murdered MP David Amess. Paul 'Des' Ballard, television presenter, caused death by dangerous driving, and various other crimes including rape. Kyle Clifford, who raped and murdered his ex-girlfriend and also murdered her mother and sister in July 2024. David Copeland, a neo-Nazi who bombed a gay pub, Brixton Market and Brick Lane - something I have covered in detail in the past. Louis De Zoysa, who shot dead an on-duty police sergeant at Croydon police station in September 2020. Delroy Grant, the "Night Stalker", a serial rapist and burglar, with over 100 offences. Danyal Hussein, who murdered two sisters in a London park. Daniel Khalife, former UK Armed Forces soldier and prison escaper prosecuted for treason and espionage. Stephen Port, the "Grindr Killer", serial killer and serial rapist. Axel Rudakubana, convicted of possessing terrorist material and the poison ricin, also murdered 3 children and attempted to murder 10 others in the 2024 Southport stabbings. Khairi Saadallah, who stabbed three people to death in a Reading park, seriously injured others.

I am very pleased with the kind words written to me by a number of readers regarding my illness. Unfortunately at the time of writing there is no noticeable improvement in my condition - I am still housebound with Post Covid Exhaustion.  It is now into its ninth week. Comments to me at the usual address - hugh.neal@gmail.com.

As many will already be aware, Plumstead resident and minor celebrity Dave Courtney was found dead in bed after apparently committing suicide, back in October 2023. Last week, an inquest heard how Courtney took his own life. Courtney, 64, took his own life with a Glock 17 9mm pistol on October 22, 2023. It is unclear how he obtained the illegal firearm or ammunition. Senior coroner Dr Julian Morris concluded after a short inquest on Thursday that he took his own life. A police investigation into his death concluded that there was "no evidence of third party involvement", Mr Robinson said. The 64-year-old converted a former school into a white mansion dubbed "Camelot Castle" at 29 Chestnut Rise, Plumstead, and decked it out with guns, swords, suits of armour, images of the late Queen, and a bust of his own head. Courtney was born in London in 1959. He grew up in a tough neighbourhood in Bermondsey, and became involved in crime at a young age. He was allegedly associated with the Kray twins, two of the most notorious gangsters in British history. In the 1970s and 1980s, Courtney was involved in a variety of criminal activities, including racketeering, extortion, and violence. He was arrested and charged multiple times, but he was always acquitted. In the 1990s, Courtney began to write books about his life in the underworld. His books were bestsellers, and he made a number of television appearances. He also began acting in films and television shows. In 1998, Courtney appeared in the gangster film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. He played the role of Dog, a debt collector who is beaten up by Vinnie Jones's character, Big Chris. The role was said to be based on Courtney's own life. After his appearances in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, and EastEnders Courtney became a well known media figure. He also wrote several books, including "My Life as a Gangster" and "Dave Courtney: The Real Lock Stock." Courtney became a minor celebrity. He also ran a nightclub and a debt collection agency. Courtney's life was one of controversy. He was accused of being a police informant, and he was also known for his violent temper. In 1991, he was convicted of manslaughter for killing a man during a fight. However, he was acquitted of murder after claiming that he had acted in self-defence. Despite his criminal past, Courtney was also known for his generosity and his loyalty to his friends. In January 2009 he was given an 18-month conditional discharge at Bristol Crown Court, on a charge of possessing live ammunition without a firearms certificate. His defence of not knowing that the single live pistol round was live rather than a stage prop prompted Judge Ticehurst to comment, "It perhaps undermines your street credibility and your stage performance that you cannot distinguish between a real round and a fake round. But perhaps that's not for me to say." In May 2009, Courtney filed for bankruptcy, reportedly owing £400,000 to creditors, including taxes of £250,000. He was a popular figure in the London underworld, and he was respected by many of his peers. In recent years, Courtney had suffered from health problems, including cancer and arthritis. He had also been struggling with his mental health, suffering from both anxiety and depression. Subsequent to his death, the following message was posted to his Facebook account:- "Following examination of Dave's personal effects by Mr Brendan McGirr, a video has been found that was filmed on the 5 July 2023 in his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead. The video clearly shows Dave had not taken the decision to take his own life lightly, and had gone into thorough planning and preparation to ensure as little pain as possible for his loved ones in the aftermath of his death.” Dave goes on to speak in the video, saying: “Well as you can all see I am in sound mind and body. Sorry I’ve took the coward's way out – don’t go racking your brains and thinking why, I will tell you exactly why. There is no woman trouble or nothing like that – I am hurting, I am disguising a lot of pain. I’ve got rapid ruminal arthritis which is crippling me up. I have to hide the fact that I can’t get up, downstairs and in and out of the car and I’m not enjoying it at the moment. That is really it. I don’t want to waste having a wicked life like I have, absolutely superb, any day I can think back on it was funny and brilliant and the rest of it in pain trying not to end it because it would upset everyone else. I’m not enjoying it and I do what I want so that really is why I am not here today. Don’t be sad, please don’t be sad. I’m sure I left enough people in this world to stick up for Dave.” Courtney was a unique and complex figure. He was a violent criminal, but he was also a charismatic and intelligent man. He lived a life of excess and danger, and he died tragically young. Courtney's legacy is likely to be debated for many years to come. Some will remember him as a ruthless gangster, while others will see him as a complex and contradictory figure. However, there is no doubt that he was one of the most colourful characters in the British underworld. His house - 29, Chestnut Rise, Plumstead, called Camelot Castle, was decorated with Union Jack flags and the cross of St George, a painted depiction of himself as a knight and a large knuckle duster. In May 2023, Courtney was diagnosed with bowel cancer. He also suffered from severe arthritis. His friends and family believe that his health problems may have contributed to his decision to take his own life, as is indicated by the posthumous video. 

The end video this week is a short aerial view of the local historic, landmark building - Christ Church Erith. Comments and feedback to me as usual to hugh.neal@gmail.com.