Matthew Powney: Man in court over murder of Willenhall Wetherspoons worker
A man has been charged with murdering Matthew Powney who died after being attacked outside the pub where he worked.
Mr Powney, aged 31, suffered serious head injuries when he was assaulted outside The Malthouse Wetherspoons, in Willenhall.
The victim, who had worked at the Wetherspoons in New Road for seven years, died in hospital following the assault.
He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after the attack just after midnight on Monday.
Shaun Addison, 27, of Furzebank Way, Willenhall, appeared at Walsall Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning charged with murder.
He was remanded into custody to appear before Wolverhampton Crown Court on July 16.
Meanwhile, more than £3,200 has already been raised in memory of Mr Powney.
By Thursday more than 130 people had donated to the JustGiving page set up "to ensure financial security for Matt’s partner and daughter".
Dozens of floral tributes have been gathered inside the window of the pub by shocked colleagues and friends.
One read: "Was a pleasure to have known you!"
Numerous tributes have been left online for Mr Powney from heartbroken friends.
Rebecca Hooley wrote: "A truly special guy who will be missed by all who worked with him.
"Would always put others before himself. Cannot count the times you helped me out."
Sheila Anne added: "Matt was a lovely, polite, gentle guy and his life was cut tragically short.
