The family of a man who died following an alleged murder have paid tribute to him.

Neil Comins, aged 39, from Banbury, died following an incident in Cope Road on January 3, 2024.

His family has described him as a "beloved son and brother that will forever be truly missed."

They said: “We are devastated by the horrifically violent act that has taken Neil from us.

“He may not have been perfect but he was and always will be a beloved son and brother that will forever be truly missed.

“We would like to thank and acknowledge the hard work of the paramedics, nurses and doctors who did their utmost to save Neil’s life.

“We ask for privacy whilst we come to terms with the senseless loss of Neil’s life.”

Janaed Akhtar is said by prosecutors to have attacked the 39-year-old in Cope Road in the early hours of January 3.

Mr Comins died the following day, with a pathologist later giving his cause of death as traumatic brain injury.

The defendant, 39, of Cope Road, Banbury, was remanded into custody by the magistrates on Thursday, January 11. 

At an administrative hearing at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, January 12, Judge Ian Pringle KC provisionally fixed the trial for July 1.

Akhtar, who was not at court on Friday, January 12 will next appear before a judge at a plea hearing on Friday, February 9.

No details about the alleged murder were given by prosecutor Matthew Knight.

Angela Porter appeared for the absent Akhtar.