A teenager has today appeared in court charged with murdering a Good Samaritan dad-of-four after he celebrated his twin daughters’ birthday.

The 16-year-old boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons – was remanded in custody following today’s brief hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.

He stands accused of killing much-loved James Gibbons, 34, near his home in Laindon on Sunday after police believe he attempted to “go to the aid of another man”.

Tragically the plumber died at the scene leaving his family “absolutely broken beyond belief”.

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 boy will next appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday for a preliminary hearing.

It comes as more than £16,000 has been raised for the family of Mr Gibbons by friends.

In the wake of the tragedy Mr Gibbons' family paid an emotional tribute to him.

They said: “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.

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