Army veteran found dead had heart of gold - family

The family of a man whose death prompted a murder investigation has paid tribute to a "loving husband, father and grandfather" who had "a heart of gold".

Stephen Grimmer, 62, was reported missing at about 17:45 BST on Friday and was found dead at a property in Worsbrough Bridge later that evening.

Andrew Fowler, 60 and of George Street in Barnsley, was charged with Grimmer's murder and is due to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday.

In a tribute issued via South Yorkshire Police, the victim's family said he had been a proud Army veteran who "would go out of his way to help anyone and was liked by everyone who knew him".

They said Grimmer had planned on travelling to Spain on the evening he was killed, while Gibraltar "held some of his best memories" and was his second home.

"Stephen was proud of his Army service in the Duke of Wellington's Regiment and the friends he made in the service were brothers to him," the tribute said.

"He loved his body art, as his face tattoos prove, and although he could often look quite intimidating, he was really as soft as a brush and had a heart of gold."

Police said the family was being supported by specialist officers.

Andrew Fowler appeared at Barnsley Magistrates' Court earlier, where he was remanded in custody.

Three areas were cordoned off following the discovery of Grimmer's body, including two locations on George Street and a section of the Trans Pennine Trail nearby.

As part of standard procedure, South Yorkshire Police said it had made a self-referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because Grimmer had previously been reported missing.

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