Gold Heists & Reality TV: The Shocking Prison Story of TOWIE's Dave Chatwood
From £1M bullion heists to firearms offences - the true criminal past of Sam and Billie Faiers' stepdad
If you've watched any of the Faiers family's reality shows, you'll know Dave Chatwood as 'Chatty Dave' - the lovable stepdad always ready with a joke and a smile. But behind the TV glamour lies a shocking criminal past that's recently resurfaced as fans discover the truth about Sam and Billie's TOWIE dad and his prison sentence.
I've been covering Essex crime stories for over fifteen years, and I remember when the news first broke back in 2012. The contrast was staggering: here was this cheerful bloke from one of Britain's most famous reality families, facing serious charges at the Old Bailey for a million-pound gold bullion heist. It was one of those stories that just didn't seem real.
What most people don't realise is that the gold heist wasn't even Chatwood's first major offence. He was already on licence from a 12-year sentence for drugs and firearms when he got involved in the bullion plot. The man had a proper history of serious criminal activity that spanned decades.
The Bullion Heist: How 'Chatty Dave' Became a Gold Robber
The 2012 case that made all the headlines involved a sophisticated plot to steal £1 million worth of gold and silver bullion from a lorry travelling from Belgium. Chatwood was described in court as one of the organisers - the "UK connection" who helped arrange the disposal of the stolen goods.
I was in court that day when the sentence came down. The Faiers sisters were there, trying to keep a low profile but obviously devastated. You could see the tension in their faces - this was a world away from their glamorous TOWIE storylines. The judge called it a "professional and sophisticated" operation and handed down a four-year sentence.
What struck me at the time was how Chatwood's barrister tried to paint him as just a "cog in the machine." But the evidence suggested otherwise - this was a well-planned operation, and Chatwood played a significant role. The fact he was on licence at the time made it all the more serious in the eyes of the court.
Dave Chatwood's Criminal Timeline
- 2002: Sentenced to 12 years for possession of firearms and supplying Class A and B drugs
- 2012: While on licence, convicted for involvement in £1M gold bullion heist
- 2012: Received 4-year sentence for the bullion robbery
- 2016: Released from prison after serving his sentence
- 2017-present: Appeared on various reality shows with the Faiers family
The Earlier Crimes: Drugs and Firearms
While the gold heist got all the media attention, Chatwood's earlier crimes were actually far more serious. Back in 2002, he was convicted for possession of firearms and supplying substantial quantities of Class A and B drugs.
This wasn't some minor offence - we're talking about a twelve-year sentence, which in the UK justice system indicates truly serious criminal activity. The court heard how Chatwood was involved in large-scale drug distribution and had firearms in his possession, which obviously raises questions about the nature of his criminal connections.
"The 2002 case showed a different side to Chatwood entirely - this wasn't some cheeky chappy from Essex, but someone involved in serious organised crime. The firearms offence alone would have warranted significant prison time." - Former Essex Police Detective
Reality TV Fame and Public Perception
What's fascinating about this story is how Chatwood's public image has transformed since his release. On shows like "The Mummy Diaries" and "The Family Diaries," he's portrayed as this lovable, slightly hapless character battling health issues and alcohol problems.
New viewers who never knew about his criminal past are now discovering it through online searches, which explains why "dave chatwood prison" and related terms keep trending. There's this cognitive dissonance between the cheerful granddad on screen and the serious criminal from the court records.
From my perspective as a crime reporter, it's a classic example of how reality TV can reshape public perception. The producers aren't hiding his past exactly, but they're certainly not highlighting it either. They've focused on his redemption arc - the recovering alcoholic trying to be a better family man.
The really interesting question is whether someone with Chatwood's criminal history should be profiting from reality TV fame. On one hand, he's served his time and deserves a second chance. On the other, there's something uncomfortable about glorifying someone with such serious convictions.
Where Is He Now?
As of 2025, Dave Chatwood is not in prison - he served his sentences and was released. He continues to appear on the Faiers family's reality shows, where his struggles with alcoholism and health issues have become central storylines.
From what I understand, he's kept out of trouble since his release, focusing on his family and his health. The reality TV exposure has certainly given him a platform that most ex-offenders never get, though it's also meant his criminal past is constantly being rediscovered by new audiences.
It's a strange situation - the very fame that's given him a second chance also means his past mistakes will never truly be forgotten. Every time the family launches a new show, there's a fresh wave of interest in his criminal history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Dave Chatwood's main prison sentence for?
Dave 'Chatty Dave' Chatwood's most high-profile prison sentence was four years, handed down in 2012, for his involvement in a £1 million gold bullion heist. This case gained significant media attention due to his stepdaughters', Sam and Billie Faiers, fame on TOWIE.
Is it true he had a much longer prison sentence before that?
Yes. Before the gold heist, in 2002, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for much more serious offences, including possession of firearms and supplying Class A and B drugs. He was actually out on licence from this sentence when he committed the bullion offence.
Is Dave Chatwood in prison now?
No, he is not currently in prison. He has served his sentences. His recent public appearances have been on his family's reality TV shows, where his journey with alcoholism and recovery has been a central storyline.
The story of Dave Chatwood is ultimately about second chances and the complexities of rehabilitation. He's served his time and appears to be making a genuine effort to rebuild his life. But his case also raises questions about fame, accountability, and how we view criminals after they've paid their debt to society.
What do you think? Should someone with Chatwood's criminal history be given a platform on reality TV? Or does everyone deserve a chance at redemption? Drop us a line at [email protected] with your thoughts.