Murdered man mother's court tears

The mother of murdered West Bromwich man Thomas Coombs Duffield wept today as the man accused of killing him appeared in court.

Christopher Szymanski, aged 21, was before West Bromwich magistrates charged with murder.

Father-to-be Mr Coombs Duffield, pictured, aged 20, was found collapsed in Bustlehome Road on Thursday night after receiving stab wounds.

Szymanski, of Beaconview Road, West Bromwich, wore a white shirt and jeans and had a bandaged hand.

Flanked by guards, he spoke only to confirm his name and address. He was remanded in custody. A plea and directions hearing is set for October 6.

Two police officers had been brought in to guard the packed out public gallery.

Tributes are still flooding in to Mr Coombs Duffield, with a sea of bouquets on Bustleholme Lane and messages of condolence on website Bebo.

On his site the former pupil Manor Foundation High School pupil spoke of his excitement at becoming a father, with his girlfriend Steph in October.

He died in Sandwell Hospital at 1pm on Friday.

A 21-year-old woman also arrested following the tragedy has been released without charge.