A MAN has appeared a court accused of murdering another man in a Westcliff pub as touching tributes continued to pour in for the much-loved dad who died.

Alfred Turner, 44, appeared in Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday in connection with the death of Dave Peck on Friday.

Mr Peck, 51, was assaulted inside the Lamb and Lion pub in Station Road at around 6.40pm.

Turner, of Station Road, Westcliff, appeared in court charged with murder, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and two counts of possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Judge Chris Morgan said: “I will set a date of February 13 at Basildon Crown Court and I will direct the crown has served as much material as it seeks to rely on.

“The defence must get preliminary reports or a summary of issues. At the pretrial preparation hearing, the court will set further stage details.

“I will set a provisional trial date of July 10 at Basildon Crown Court. There are no reporting restrictions and no bail application.”

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Speaking to Turner he said: “I have remanded you in custody and have fixed a provisional trial date for July 10. The next hearing will be on February 13 for a pretrial preparation hearing.

“I will order that you are to be produced. If you do not attend, you may be in further trouble.”

Following the court appearance, friends have paid tribute to Mr Peck, describing him as a “nice man”.

Shawn Maloney, 28, of Eastwood, said: “I knew him for about two years and through fishing, and he was also friends with my brother.

“He was always a bit of a character and was known as Stella Dave as he loved a can of Stella. He used to use candles in tent while out fishing.

“In the summer when the weather was good, we would see each other a few times a week. He spoke highly of his family, including his wife and children.

“He was a nice man and would chat to anyone.”

The keen fisherman said he was shocked to get a call early in the morning about his friend’s death.

He added: “I was devastated when I first found out. I didn’t believe it or think it would happen.”