PLYMOUTH, UK (6 Feb 2009) — He was among the best-known and most recognisable businessmen in Plymouth – but controversy seemed to follow David Welsh around. Made famous by the fly-on-the-wall TV series Diving School, screened on Five, Welsh was also known for his involvement in several high-profile legal cases. In recent years he appeared in court as the prime witness at a murder trial, and was at the centre of a series of claims and counter-claims involving Taxifast boss John Preece and also allegations of police misconduct. Originally from Essex, Welsh left school at 16 intending to become a chef, but instead trained as a mechanic and ran garages before he turned his scuba hobby into a job. He trained as a specialist in underwater salvage, demolition and construction and took over as manager of Fort Bovisand Underwater Centre in 1989. In 1995 he tried unsuccessfully to buy Drake's Island and in 2000 put forward development plans for Tinside Lido which were not shortlisted by the council. Around this time, there were claims he threatened to kill Mr Preece regarding blackmail allegations, claims which were strenuously denied by Welsh. That matter led to Mr Preece suing Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, which was settled out of court a year ago. Details of the settlement were undisclosed. Welsh was also the former owner of the Electric Circus nightclub in Union Street, which burned down in 2002 shortly after Barbican bar owner Costas Anastasiou was killed there. | 
