Key witness found as murder suspect appears in court and family pay tribute

AS a man appeared in court at Warrington today charged with the murder of Declan Bunting, police revealed that a key witness they had been seeking has come forward.

Stuart Rawling, 31, of Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington, appeared before the town’s magistrates charged with the murder of the 21-year-old – also from Wilderspool Causeway.

He was remanded in custody and will next appear at Chester Crown Court next Monday (June 25).

But shortly after the hearing, detectives revealed that a key witness they had been seeking had made contact with the police.

The man was originally seen when he approached a police officer in Wilderspool Causeway around the time of the alleged murder and had expressed concern at the behaviour of a group of people nearby.

He had then walked away while the officer went to investigate.

Meanwhile Declan’s parents have paid tribute to him.

His mother said: “Declan was my best friend. He was a loveable young man who was well-liked by all those who knew him. He would always be joking and making people laugh with no one ever being sad or miserable when he was around.

“We all miss him so much and I wish we could have him back with us. I am lost without him.”

Declan’s father added: “From the first minutes of my son’s life as I held him in my arms he made me laugh, cry, proud and sad. Any parent will understand that.

“One of the worst things about having someone you love taken away so young is it happens again every single minute.

“I love you son and all the people whose lives you touched love you. We’ll never forget you. Dad xx”