Man In Court Over Waterlooville Murder

A man charged with the murder of a father-of-one has been remanded in custody.

Sean Thomas Bailey, 28, of Waterlooville, Hampshire, made a brief appearance at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court today accused of killing Simon Warton.

The 27-year-old died after an alleged fight in the Dove Close area of Waterlooville during the early hours of April 12.

A post-mortem examination found Mr Warton, of Orsmond Close, Waterlooville, died of a stab wound.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a bail hearing at Winchester Crown Court tomorrow and a further preliminary hearing was scheduled for May 1 at the same court, a court official said.

Five people arrested in the Havant and Waterlooville areas on suspicion of assisting an offender in connection with the incident have been bailed until July 25 pending further inquiries.

Simon Warton's family have released a statement.

Mr Warton’s mother Dawn Warton said:  “The family is very grateful for all the support and wishes from Simon’s friends who have been sharing stories of him. All of us know Simon had a great sense of humour and was a fun loving person. Simon always tried to be a good son and he adored his daughter."
 
Anyone with information is asked to phone the Operation Malvern team at Fratton police station by phoning 101. Mini-com users can phone 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.