Murder victim attacked outside pub named in court

Michael O'Dwyer died in hospital a day after being assaulted outside a pub

A dad-of-two who died following an assault outside a pub has been named as Michael O'Dwyer.

Mr O'Dwyer, 31, died in hospital on Sunday evening after paramedics were called to an address in Dereham, Norfolk at about 05:00 BST.

Police later discovered that a serious assault had taken place outside the Red Lion pub in the town on Saturday evening.

Tyrone Busch, 40, of Hall Road, Norwich, has appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court, charged with his murder.

Police said the assault happened outside the Red Lion in Dereham on Saturday evening

Mr O'Dwyer's provisional cause of death was given as a traumatic head injury following a Home Office post-mortem examination.

Wearing a blue sweatshirt, Mr Busch spoke in court only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

He entered no plea and was told he would appear at Norwich Crown Court on 30 July.

He was remanded in custody.

'Kind and gentle soul'

The family of Mr O'Dwyer - who was also known as Michael Spooner - issued a tribute to him via Norfolk Police.

They said in a statement: "Michael was a kind and gentle soul who always saw the best in people and wanted the best for them.

"He is greatly loved by his family and his many, many friends and that love will always remain.

"Michael adored his two sons and has been taken from them far too soon."