Politics

Boy, 16, appears in court charged with murder of hero dad James Gibbons knifed by kids while helping homeless man

A 16-YEAR-OLD boy has today appeared in court charged with the murder of hero dad James Gibbons.

The Good Samaritan, 34, was knifed to death in Laindon, Essex, on Sunday after offering a homeless man food from his barbecue.

The dad-of-four was knifed to death in Laindon, Essex on Sunday after offering a homeless man food from his barbecue[/caption]

The dad of four had been celebrating his twin girls’ second birthday[/caption]

James’ family have said they are ‘broken beyond belief’

A 16-year-old boy arrested shortly after the incident was charged with murder and appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today.

Speaking only to confirm his name, age, and address during the brief hearing, the boy did not enter a plea.

He wore a grey prison-issue tracksuit and his parents sat in the public gallery as the youth looked emotionless behind the reinforced glass of the dock.

The teenager, from the Basildon area, will next appear in court on Monday at Chelmsford Crown Court for a preliminary hearing.

Detectives have also arrested and bailed a 13-year-old boy on suspicion of murder.

TEEN IN COURT

Four other teenagers had also previously been arrested in connection with James’ murder.

A boy, 14, has been arrested in connection with James murder and released on bail until May 25.

A 13-year-old boy has been released on bail in connection with an assault offence.

Two girls, aged 15 and 16, arrested on suspicion of murder face no further charges.

Witnesses said Mr Gibbons had been trying to stop a group of teenagers from picking on a homeless man when he was attacked.

This tragedy occurred after he had spent the day celebrating his two-year-old twin girls’ birthday at home and we are absolutely broken beyond belief at this pointless loss which has had a devastating effect on us all.”

James’ heartbroken family

Family members yesterday paid tribute to “Gibbo” saying they were “absolutely broken beyond belief”.

They said in a statement: “James was an amazing father of four young children, engaged to his partner of 11 years, and was a loving and supportive son and brother.

“James was a hard-working family-orientated man, who ran his own bathroom fitting company and was looking forward to a positive future for him and his family.

“This tragedy occurred after he had spent the day celebrating his two-year-old twin girls’ birthday at home and we are absolutely broken beyond belief at this pointless loss which has had a devastating effect on us all.

“James was the kind of person who would always be prepared to help anyone less fortunate than himself, which is what he was doing on Sunday night.

‘AMAZING DAD’

“As a family we are urging anyone to come forward with any information that may help the police as they investigate James’s death in the hope we can get justice.”

Notes left with flowers at the scene described tragic James as “one in a million”.

Under a picture of smiling James cuddling Victoria and their children, a friend wrote: “This breaks my heart.”

James’s death came six years after brother Ashley — described as “loyal and a fantastic uncle” — passed away unexpectedly from an epileptic seizure.

Friend Kerri Goss wrote on Facebook: “I have never known a family to have a bond that even comes close to theirs.

“That’s how I know you’ll get through this, forever looking out for each other, extending to friends that became family, never leaving one person not knowing how much they are loved and appreciated.

“They lived life to the fullest each and every day. I feel blessed to have known their huge personalities, loved by the biggest hearts and felt the uniqueness they brought into the world.”