The family of Devizes stab victim Matthew Baggott have today spoken for the first time of their devastation at his killing last week.

The popular 34-year-old suffered multiple wounds in a frenzied attack in St John's Court on Thursday afternoon.

His death has left an aching void in the lives of all who knew him, not least his 12-year-old son James.

The youngster said: "If ever I needed to learn to ride my bike, or anything like that, dad was always there. We know he wasn't perfect, but he had a good heart and I will miss him forever."

James' mother Sarah Smith, Matthew's ex-partner of seven years, and Matthew's stepfather Jim Talbot, also of Devizes, added: "Matthew was a good natured man.

"He chose the way he lived his life and we tried to help him as best we could. He was a good hearted man, kind, loyal and friendly. We will miss him deeply."

Mr Baggott's brother Brian Talbot, of Devizes, said: "Matthew was a loveable rogue. We were as thick as thieves in our childhood.

"We drifted apart a bit as we grew older, but blood is thicker than water. Matthew wore his heart on his sleeve and was extremely loyal to his friends and family."

And the partner of Mr Baggott, when he died, Mel Doran, also from Devizes, has said the man she remembered was "a kind, caring, loving person who always put other people before himself".

  • Daniel Thomas De Costa, 30, of Melksham, has been charged with Mr Baggott's murder.

He appeared before Chippenham Magistrates on Saturday and was remanded in custody to reappear before Winchester Crown Court on September 14.

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