A 29-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a “sweet, popular and caring” man in Hugglescote.
David Bettison was pronounced dead in the early hours of Friday morning (February 24) after being found with serious injuries in a park off Ashburton Road.
Kyle Morley, of Ashby Road, Coalville, has been charged with the 43-year old’s murder.
He has also been charged with attempted murder, after a woman in her 20s was also found injured and taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Her injuries are not thought to be threatening.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Bettison, known as ‘Did’, across social media, with many hailing him as a “kind, caring
and popular” individual.
“Rest in peace Did, such a sweet caring man. Hope you and your family and daughter get the justice you need, but still will never cover the life that was taken,” said one.
“Coalville and surrounding areas will miss you loads.”
“It’s absolutely devastating. I went to school with Did and he genuinely was a nice lad – always smiling and had time for a chat,” added another.
“Heartbreaking that such a big character went this way.”
Police are continuing to investigate the death of Mr Bettison.
A statement from his family has been released by Leicestershire Police.
“Everybody loved Did. He leaves a huge hole in our lives and no words can describe and heartache and endless cycle of disbelief we are trapped in.
“He was our beloved son, brother, dad, partner and friend. To never see his twinkling blue eyes, big grin and gait as he walked, will mean our lives will never be the same again.
“There is no surprise at the hundreds of messages we have received from everyone that knew him, saying how kind funny, and special he really was.”
Anyone with information about the crime, should contact Leicestershire Police on 101.
A 23-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of murder has since been released with no further action.
