A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a court bailiff who was allegedly attacked while at work.
Jeff Blair, who also spent 22 years as a police officer before retiring in 2017, was found seriously injured in the street following an alleged assault in County Durham at around 1pm on Tuesday.
The 55-year-old father was rushed to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Robert Davies, 49, who lives on the street in Shildon where the attack happened, has appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court charged with murder, possession of an offensive weapon and affray.
Wearing a grey t-shirt, Davies spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
He was remanded into custody by Judge Helen Cousins and will next appear at Teesside Crown Court on Monday.
Mr Blair, a keen basketball player, was a former Durham Constabulary police officer who had worked as a response PC across the south of the county.
At the time of his death he was employed as a court bailiff, a legal official authorised to enforce court orders such as unpaid debts or warrants.
The family of Jeff Blair said he was a ‘much-loved son, brother, father, partner, uncle, and good friend to many’
A police cordon remains at the scene of the incident in Shildon, County Durham
It is understood he was carrying out his duties when he was attacked and HM Courts and Tribunals have described his death as a ‘shocking and horrendous incident’, adding: ‘Violence against our hardworking staff is unacceptable.’
In a statement, Mr Blair’s family paid tribute to him.
They said: ‘Jeff was a much-loved son, brother, father, partner, uncle, and good friend to many.
‘His ability to apply humour and laughter to any situation and lighten the mood will be irreplaceable to our family.
‘We are devastated to lose Jeff in such tragic circumstances, and he will be forever missed and remembered always, with much love and affection.’
Detective Chief Inspector Sharon Alderson, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘This has been a deeply upsetting incident which has caused a great deal of shock to the local community.
‘Our thoughts are with Jeff’s family and all those who knew and loved him at this difficult time
‘We will continue to have a police presence at the scene, and I’d like to thank the public and nearby residents for their patience, understanding, and cooperation while we work to establish exactly what has happened.
‘We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that could help the investigation and has not yet spoken to us.’ #
A spokesperson for HM Courts and Tribunals Service said: ‘Our thoughts and condolences are with Jeff Blair’s family, friends and those who worked with him.
‘This was a shocking and horrendous incident. Violence against our hardworking staff is completely unacceptable, and we are providing support to our colleagues affected by this tragedy.’
It is understood a review into working practices will now take place to decide whether further protections are needed for bailiffs.
Darlington Storm Basketball Club said Jeff was a former player, coach and committee member.
In a tribute shared on social media, the club said: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very traumatic and troublesome time.’