London man, 31, denies murdering former Coutts banker Oliver Dearlove on night out as he appears in court
A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of ex-Queen's banker Oliver Dearlove, feared to have been killed by a single punch.
Mr Dearlove, 30, died after allegedly being hit while waiting for a taxi on a night out in Blackheath, South East London, on Sunday.
Trevor Timon, 31, of Plumstead, South East London, appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court via video link today, charged with murder and common assault.
Mr Dearlove, from nearby Eltham, had been in a bar with friends earlier in the evening before heading to Tranquil Vale.
He died later in hospital.
A post-mortem examination gave the provisional cause of his death as a head injury.
The court heard that Timon has indicated a plea of not guilty.
Timon, who wore a grey tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address, was remanded in custody for a bail hearing at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.
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Dearlove, who lived with his girlfriend Claire Wheatley, was a keen football fan and played as a forward for his local team Lord Hood FC.
He was set to go on holiday with friends to Las Vegas for a collective 30th birthday celebration.
His mother, Joy Wright, from Chislehurst, South East London, said after his death: “He was very easygoing, lots and lots of friends, played lots of football.
“He studied hard at school. He worked for a private bank in Belgravia. He had been travelling for a year. He did what most nice people do.”
Claire, his girlfriend of nearly four years, said they had recently discussed having a baby together.
“We were trying to get some money together so we could buy a house together,” she said.
“We had big plans. We were planning on having a baby as well. He was the kindest person.
“He was the most amazing person I’ve ever met and ever known. I’m so lucky to have known him.”
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