Family statement published as manslaughter charge youths appear before judge

THE family of Timothy Chilcott, who was killed in a street attack in Minehead on the weekend before last, today (Tuesday, January 29) released a statement in memory of him.
The statement was on behalf of his parents Fred and Sylvia, his brother Kevin, and his sister Heather, brother-in-law Phill, sister-in-law Jayde, and nephew Rhyley.
It came as two teenagers accused of killing Tim Chilcott were due to appear before a judge in Exeter Crown Court today at the start of committal proceedings.
Sean Wylds, aged 19, from Minehead, and a 16-year-old youth, also from Minehead, whose identity is currently protect by the law because he is under 18, face charges of manslaughter.They have been in custody since an initial appearance before magistrates in Taunton last Tuesday, and it was expected they would again be remanded in custody by the judge.A third youth, aged 18 years, who was arrested along with Wylds and the 16-year-old, also from Minehead, is currently on police bail while further inquiries are carried out.
Mr Chilcott was found unconscious with severe head injuries in Blenheim Road, Minehead, at 1 am on Sunday, January 20.
He died in hospital 36 hours later after being on a life support machine.
The family statement said: “Tim was the best and most loving son and brother that we could have ever wished for.
“He was very caring, not just to us his family, but was always there for anybody who needed him.
“He will always be remembered for his pearls of wisdom, jokes and laughter with everybody, and had a good sense of humour.
“For us his family, we feel a great loss of a son and brother that we loved so very much.
“To know that Tim was so special to so many people is helping us cope with our loss.
“We would like to thank everybody for their support and their kindness.”
The family requested the media not to contact them directly and asked to be left ‘to grieve at this sad time’.
West Somerset coroner Michael Rose was also today due to open Mr Chilcott's inquest for identification purposes before adjourning to a date to be fixed.