British boxer, 22, appears in court accused of murder after dad, 47, ‘beaten to death’
A BOXER has appeared in court charged with the murder of a "devoted and fiercely loyal" dad.
Stephen Harrington, 47, was found seriously injured following a "brutal" assault in Hampshire last month and died two days later.
Three men - Joseph Butler, Tarin Hopkins, and Thomas Goldring - have since been charged with murder.
Today, Butler appeared before Portsmouth Crown Court where he was remanded in custody ahead of a four-week trial in January.
The 22-year-old, from Hambrook, West Sussex, is an unbeaten lightweight boxer, having won all 18 rounds of his four professional fights.
Before his paid career, he was an amateur champion from Guildford City Gym.
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Cops discovered Stephen, who was badly hurt, on land along Marlpit Lane, Emsworth, on July 23, at around 11.10am.
He was rushed by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital, where he died on July 25.
Officers launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of Butler, Hopkins, 20, of Hambrook, and Goldring, also 20, of Havant.
All three have been charged with murder and appeared before Crawley Magistrates' Court for a preliminary hearing on Monday.
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In a tribute released through Sussex Police, Stephen's family yesterday described him as "hardworking, devoted and fiercely loyal".
"Stephen, our son, brother, husband, father, nephew, uncle, and dear friend, was taken from us in a cruel and brutal way," they said.
"His death has left us all devastated and heartbroken, with a hole in our lives that can never be filled.
"Stephen was a loving, doting father that prized every moment he spent with his daughter.
"He was hardworking and a devoted husband to his wife.
"Stephen’s love for his mother and sisters was unwavering and clear for all to see.
"He loved and is loved by all his nieces, nephews, and aunties, who will always miss Uncle Steve."
They continued: "He was a fiercely loyal and fun friend. If you ever needed him for anything, all you had to do was ask and he would be there.
"We are all going to have to learn to live with never seeing his smile, hearing his laugh, or just spending time with him again.
"If anyone has any information that can help get justice for Stephen, please find it in your hearts to come forward – if not for our family, do it for the kind and loving man who will never see his daughter grow up or walk her down the aisle. Do it for Stephen."
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Detectives are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact them online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Bridport.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
