Man in court over Darren Jones murder

The first picture of murder victim Darren Jones was released today – as a man appeared in court charged with his killing.

The father of eight died after violence flared at a West Bromwich social club. Detectives today said he suffered severe head injuries.

Peter Nightingale, from South Road in Tipton, today appeared before Sandwell Magistrates accused of the murder.

Mr Jones, from Tipton, had been at the Greets Green Social Club in Whitehall Road when trouble broke out on Sunday night.

He was taken to hospital at around 10.23pm and died a short time later.

Nightingale, wearing a black t-shirt and black trousers in the dock, gave no indication of his plea to the murder charge and spoke only to confirm his name and address at court today.

The 43-year-old, who was arrested at a Tipton address, will next appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court but a date has not been set. He was remanded into custody.

Relatives of Mr Jones today paid tribute to him. A statement released on behalf of his family said: "Darren's death has left our family devastated beyond words.

"The children have been robbed of a loving father and grandfather and their lives will never be the same."

More than a dozen floral tributes have been left to "Daz" outside the club.

A police cordon has been removed from the cafe and car park area of the club, which has now reopened.

Detectives investigating the incident continue to appeal for anyone who has information to contact them at Sandwell Force CID based at Harborne on the non-emergency number 101 or call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555111.