A Somerset DJ has launched a crowdfunding campaign in a desperate bid to save his iconic green DnB party bus from being permanently seized – and to avoid prison for stealing a speedboat.

The mobile party venue, which also serves as his home, was seized by police twice last year following noise complaints linked to unlicensed music events.

However, it has now emerged that the urgent fundraising effort is not just to save the bus but also to pay court-ordered compensation after Dickson stole a boat from a sailing club in Fife while under the influence of cocaine.

Martin Dickson

Dickson, who calls himself the 'Bass General', appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court last week, admitting he had no explanation for the theft. The court heard that in June 2021, he drove to Forth Cruising Club in Limekilns, attached the boat to his car and drove away. It was later recovered, but with its engine missing, leaving the owner £10,000 out of pocket.

Sheriff Susan Duff deferred sentencing until 15 April, giving Dickson a chance to secure a bank loan to cover the compensation. As he left court, he reportedly said: "Nightmare. I've got to find ten grand for a speedboat."

Rather than mentioning the theft, Dickson's GoFundMe campaign describes the £10,000 as needed to stop his bus from being "shut down permanently" due to legal action over unlicensed music events.

"I never ask for anything in my whole life. I love doing what I do, and I get plenty of thanks for bringing the love to towns and cities for all the big events that have taken place," he wrote. "But it's now at that point that I have no choice but to ask for help."

Martin says he initially built the party bus as a way of coping with the loss of his young son, but now fears losing everything. "I've already lost my boy, and I'm not looking to lose the bus. If I lose the bus, the game is over—no more parties, no more anything."

So far, the fundraiser has raised £180.

We have approached GoFundMe for comment.