A TEENAGER appeared in court charged with the murder of a popular family man.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court, where he accused of killing Arnold Potter.

Mr Potter was found dead at Watson Close in the Maidenbower area of Crawley at 6.40pm on Thursday last week.

Police say a post-mortem examination showed he had died of a stab wound to his body. His family have now led tributes to the 24-year-old.

“He was loved by so many people and had his whole life ahead of him, but taken away too soon,” they said.

The boy accused of his murder spoke to confirm his name and address in court yesterday. He wore a grey jumper and jogging pants, and stared forward with his head bowed.

He is accused of murder, possessing a lock knife in public, and possessing cocaine with the intent to supply.

In court he sat next to his counsel Antonia Gray, and only once turned round to offer a grim smile to his parents sat behind him. He will next appear at Lewes Crown Court today to enter his plea.

There were tears after magistrate Nick Letherby told his parents that the hearing would be the first of many court dates.

Emergency services were called to Watson Close on Thursday, and forensics teams were called in.

They tried to perform CPR treatment on Mr Potter, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, his family said: “Arnold, our son, brother, uncle and friend, was a loving, caring and kind-hearted man. He was loved by so many people and had his whole life ahead of him but taken way too soon.

“We will all miss him so much and words cannot describe how we are feeling at this terrible time.

“We will remember Arnold for the man he was maturing into. He was focusing on his health and going to gym every day.

“He had a real interest in foraging for herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage, and turning them into herbal tea.

“We would like to thank everyone that was with Arnold in his final moments. We as a family are so grateful to the people that cared for him especially our close family, friends and neighbours that were with him when he took his final breath, our guardian angels. We would also like to thank the police and paramedics that worked hard and did everything that they could for him.

“As a family we are overwhelmed by the love, support and messages from everyone. We cannot bring Arnold back but he will forever be in our hearts. We will remember our time with him with love, joy, laughter and happiness, and hope that ultimately we will see justice for what has happened to him.”