A man has been charged with the murder of a West Norfolk man who died after an incident outside a bar in Essex.

Dean Jose, 47, suffered serious head injuries after he was assaulted outside Murphy's Sports Bar in King's Road, Brentwood, in the early hours of Monday, August 28.

Mr Jose of Ringstead Road, Heacham, died in hospital on Saturday, September 2, after suffering s stroke caused by bleeding on the brain.

Nathan Turner, 23, of Myrtle Road, Brentwood, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with Mr Jose's death. Today Turner appeared at Basildon Crown Court where, following a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service, the charge was amended to murder.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody. He will next appear at Chelmsford Crown Court for a case management hearing in the week commencing October 23.

In a statement after his death, Mr Jose's family said he lived for his wife and two daughters.

'He was a devoted husband, a loving father and a very much loved son and brother,' they said.

'Deano', as he was known to friends, grew up in Harold Hill in Romford and attended Neave School.

'He left school and then dedicated his life to helping disabled children, adults and those less fortunate than himself to allow them to live their lives to the fullest.

'He was well-known and well-respected within the mobility industry and Dean always made sure he went above and beyond his role as a rehabilitation specialist to fulfil the dreams of the people and families he dealt with.

'Dean had an incredible zest for life and lived his life at 100mph, never sitting down for a second.

'He loved having his family around him, socialising with friends and had a real passion for golf and music, which he loved sharing with everyone he was close to.

'He will forever live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him and the people and families that he has helped over the years.

'As a family we are devastated at his sudden and completely unnecessary death. We have been needlessly robbed of a husband, dad, son, brother and friend.' An inquest into Mr Jose's death has been opened and adjourned.