Men charged with Reece Cox murder to enter pleas

The defendants are accused of murdering Reece Cox, aged 24, near The Clifton, in Sedgley, just before midnight on August 15.

Their case was adjourned at a hearing of Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday, with a plea and trial preparation hearing set to take place on September 25.

The defendants, who have been charged with murder, are Wayne Burke, 22, of Queens Street, Pensnett; Shane Jones, 25, of Orchard Grove, Lower Gornal; Shaquel Halliday, 22, of Shadwell Drive, Lower Gornal; and Adam Ashwin, 19, of Monument Lane, Sedgley.

All four have also been charged with violent disorder and actual bodily harm, whilst a fifth man, Tyrone Halliday, of Inglefield Road, in Stetchford, Birmingham, has been charged with violent disorder and actual bodily harm.

The 24-year-old appeared at the same court and also had his case adjourned until September 25 by Judge Michael Chambers QC.

Meanwhile, a stunning array of flowers and memorials to Mr Cox – described by friends and family as a "gentle giant who was loved by everybody" – have been placed outside the pub

Flowers of different types have been laid on the railings next to Ettymore Road and the Bull Ring, along with Wolves scarves and shirts and messages of support for Reece and his family.

A man, who did not wish to be named, said: "These tributes are lovely and it doesn't matter who you are, to see the love and respect this man has been given through this is wonderful."

More than £10,000 has now been raised for Mr Cox's family through an online fundraising website. Visit gofundme.com to donate.

Detective Inspector Laura Harrison, from the West Midlands Police's homicide unit, added: "We really appreciate the positive response we have had from the community that has assisted with our investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting crime reference number 20BW/143529D/20.

Visit west-midlands.police.uk, call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.