Three in court over William Buckingham death

5:24pm Wednesday 8th October 2008

Three people have appeared before magistrates today in connection with the death of 21-year-old William Buckingham.

Daniel Press, 23, a bus driver from Epsom, was charged with murdering the vehicle panel sprayer.

Two women, his sister, 28-year-old barmaid Alyssa Press and 23-year-old mother of his two children, Kerry Barnett, also appeared in court, charged with perverting the course of justice.

Mr Buckingham, from Morden, was killed when he was struck by a car on the A24 London Road, Ewell, on Saturday, September 27. He died later that day.

A postmortem examination at the Royal Surrey County Hospital found that he died after suffering severe head injuries.

The three defendants appeared at Reigate Magistrates’ Court today. They will appear at the Old Bailey on January 14.

They were arrested on Monday and interviewed by officers from Surrey Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team.

Police are still forensically examining a car that is believed to be connected to Mr Buckingham’s death.

Mr Buckingham had been out drinking with friends at the Star pub in Ewell Village. After leaving the pub and walking with friends along London Road, Mr Buckingham was hit by a car that mounted the pavement.

Family and friends had drinks at a pub at the weekend to mark one week since his death, his mother Deborah Buckingham’s birthday, and posted messages on the social networking site Facebook.

Mr Buckingham's father, also William Buckingham, wrote: “You was a great son and my best mate, pretty good at golf as well.

“I am so very proud to have had a son like you. You was always happy with a constant smile I know you loved all of us and we loved you so much.

“Nothing will ever take away the pain we all feel and I know you’re probably laughing at me trying to type this. Sleep well son, sweet dreams. Till I see you next. Dad.”

Another message, from Terri Ritchie, read: “A tragic loss. We would like to send our thoughts to Williams family, friends and team mates at Motor Racing. Terri and all at Esher Athletic Sports FC.”

Friend Rory Hodges wrote: “Will, a part of me is lost to know that I won’t be seeing you again. Everyone misses you mate and will do forever.

“Thinking of you night and day and we will join together some time later in this life until then my old friend rest in peace. You were the nuts.”

The tribute group called In Loving Memory of William Buckingham, has 373 members and several tribute messages from friends, family and football mates.