The family of a man found dead in jail two days before he was due to stand trial accused of murdering his teenage daughter insisted today he was innocent.

Tony Couchman, 47, of Beecham Place, St Leonards, was accused of killing single mother-of-one Victoria Couchman, 19, between May 15 and May 18 2008.

He was found unconscious in his cell in HMP Lewes, East Sussex, on Saturday morning and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards, the Prison Service said.

Unemployed Couchman was due to stand trial at Lewes Crown Court today charged with murder and perverting the course of justice. He denied both charges.

In a statement issued through Sussex Police, Couchman's family said: "Tony Couchman was a loving father and grandfather and is going to be hugely missed.

"Please let us, as a family and as friends who loved him, have time to grieve for our sad loss. The family stands by Tony and do not believe that he did this to Vicky."

Couchman had slashed his wrists, according to The Sun.

He was originally arrested after children playing in Redgeland Wood in the Queensway area of St Leonards found a skull in October 2008.

Further human remains were later found around the scene and medical records were used to identify them as those of Ms Couchman, who had lived with her father.

Her death came as a fresh blow to her family and friends following the death of her brother Dean, 17, in a road accident in 2005.

It was suggested at the time of her death that she and her father argued over who was responsible for his death.

Today's family statement went on: "Rest in peace, Tony, now that you are with Dean and Vicky. From your family, we all love you."

Ms Couchman made mention of the tragedy of her brother on her Bebo profile when she responded to a question about her most missed memory by writing "my brother Dean".

She urged people on her profile to "live life like it's your last day" and described herself as a lover of comedy and romance films, clubbing and, of her musical tastes, "nethin wid a beat".

She wrote on the social networking site: "Hiya, im Vicky, im 18 nd av a lil girl. I liv in hastings. I av brown hair but im always diein it. I love to go out clubbin!!! Luv yuhoo."

She described her relationship status as "complicated" and said she disliked spiders. One message on her profile read: "Hii vicky hun wt u bin up to. Aint sin or spoke to u in ages."

Sussex Police examined whether Couchman posed as his daughter online after it emerged that messages were sent from her Bebo site at a time when police believed she was already dead.

The force also said Ms Couchman had not been reported to them as a missing person.

Neighbours described the young mother as a "dedicated mum who spent hours playing with her daughter".

And one neighbour said Couchman was a "really nice guy" who would help with their garden.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "HMP Lewes prisoner Tony Couchman was found unconscious in his cell at 11.30am on Saturday January 2.

"Paramedics attended the prison, but Mr Couchman was pronounced dead shortly after that time. The cause of death is yet to be determined.

"As with all deaths in custody, the prisons and probation ombudsman will conduct an investigation."

Sussex Police confirmed that they would not be looking for anyone else in connection with Ms Couchman's death unless fresh lines of inquiry emerged.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert said: "This is obviously a very tragic conclusion to what was already a desperately sad case.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the Couchman family at this time following the loss first of Vicky - a mother, daughter and sister - and now Tony Couchman, a father and grandfather.

"As far as Sussex Police are concerned, unless any other viable lines of inquiry emerge, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this case and will not be pursuing it further."