Boy, 16, charged with murder of hero dad of four James Gibbons who was knifed by kids while helping homeless man
A 16-YEAR-OLD boy has tonight been charged with the murder of James Gibbons.
The dad of four was knifed to death in Laindon, Essex on Sunday after offering a homeless man food from his barbecue.
A 16 year-old boy arrested shortly after the incident has been charged with murder and is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Essex Police confirmed.
Detectives have also arrested a sixth person as part of their investigation.
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.
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“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.”