Man, 49, charged with homicide of court docket bailiff Jeff Blair in County Durham | EUROtoday

A 49-year-old man has been charged with the homicide of a court docket bailiff who was attacked whereas he was at work.

Robert Davies has been charged with homicide, possession of an offensive weapon, and affray.

He has been remanded in custody forward of an look at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Durham Constabulary stated officers had been referred to as shortly after 1pm on Tuesday to experiences {that a} man had been assaulted in Dent Street in Shildon, County Durham.

Former police officer Jeff Blair, 55, sustained critical accidents and died after being taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Mr Blair labored as a police officer for Durham Constabulary for 22 years earlier than retiring in 2017 previous to turning into a bailiff.

Detective Chief Inspector Sharon Alderson, who’s main the investigation, stated: “This has been a deeply upsetting incident which has caused a great deal of shock to the local community.

“Our thoughts are with Jeff’s family and all those who knew and loved him at this difficult time.

“We will continue to have a police presence at the scene, and I’d like to thank the public and nearby residents for their patience, understanding, and co-operation while we work to establish exactly what has happened.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that could help the investigation and has not yet spoken to us.”

His dying was described as “a shocking and horrendous incident” by a courts and tribunals spokesperson.

A colleague at a court docket within the north east of England, who requested to not be named, stated: “He was a lovely guy and an absolute gentleman.

“He was always polite with people and would say ‘please don’t do that’ rather than be overbearing.

“He was a peacemaker, not at all aggressive.”

The supply stated that Mr Blair was engaged on Tuesday and attended a property with a locksmith when there was a confrontation.

An HM Courts and Tribunals Service spokesperson stated: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Jeff Blair’s family, friends and those who worked with him.

“This was a shocking and horrendous incident.

“Violence against our hardworking staff is completely unacceptable, and we are providing support to our colleagues affected by this tragedy.”

It was understood the courts service will now evaluate what occurred and whether or not additional motion was wanted to guard bailiffs in the midst of their work.

According to the federal government web site, court docket bailiffs or enforcement brokers can go to folks’s properties if money owed are excellent, resembling council tax payments, fines or court docket judgments.

A bailiff could also be used to serve court docket paperwork or give notices and summons.

The terraced avenue remained cordoned off on Thursday afternoon, with a big police presence nonetheless on the scene.

In an announcement, his household stated: “Jeff was a much-loved son, brother, father, partner, uncle, and good friend to many.

“His ability to apply humour and laughter to any situation and lighten the mood will be irreplaceable to our family.

“We are devastated to lose Jeff in such tragic circumstances, and he will be forever missed and remembered always, with much love and affection.”

Darlington Storm Basketball Club stated Mr Blair was a “former player, coach and committee member”.

In a tribute shared on social media, the membership stated: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very traumatic and troublesome time.”

Police requested anybody with info to name Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 209 of March 10.

Information can be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or on-line at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.