A FATHER-OF-FOUR from Croxley Green was stabbed to death in his home in the early hours of Friday, writes Dave Allen.

A memorial darts trophy is to be set up for Mr Graham Binks, 30, of Fuller Way, who died after suffering three stab wounds to the chest in an incident at his home.

He was taken by ambulance to Watford General Hospital where he died from his injuries.

He had spent Thursday evening at the Croxley Community Centre bar, off Barton Way, and left at about 11pm.

Little more than an hour later, at 12.19am on Friday, police were called to Mr Binks' home after a disturbance had been reported.

Mr Binks lived with his wife, Shirley, and their children, Lizelle, Nicky, Marcy and a young baby.

Neighbour Mrs Michelle Lawrence, 40, said: "We heard nothing until the police arrived at about 12.30am.

"It obviously came as a real shock. You do not expect this sort of thing in your street.

"He seemed very normal. He used to play football with his son and my boy. I really feel for his wife and their children, it is very sad for them."

Mr Binks was a security guard at Nissan UK in Maple Cross, where he had worked for three years.

He was a keen sportsman, who enjoyed golf and played darts for Croxley Green Community Centre and Mill End Social Club.

Mr Mick Martin, 39, who was his captain in the community centre darts team, said: "I used to see him three or four times a week. He was more than just a darts acquaintance. He was a real top man, a very placid person who would never cause any trouble here.

"He loved his darts. He wanted to get his name known in the game and win a few tournaments. He would have been able to as well: he was a very good player.

"The other thing about him was that he would always have time to help the younger players, with his enthusiasm, advice and support.

"He will be sorely missed by the team but also by me personally as a friend.

"I am organising a Croxley Green Open tournament this year and I think we will name it after him as a tribute and so his name will always be on the trophy. I think that will be our memorial to him."

Mr Binks' team mates at Mill End Social Club also paid tribute to him.

Mr Brian Evans said: "When he first came to the club, I was the first one to get to know him because he started asking about darts.

"I got to know him really well and he was a good friend. We played darts and golf together.

"I bought the car I am driving from him last year and that is going to be a constant reminder, as is playing darts. I can just see him walking in through the door of the club. This has come as a complete wrench."

Alan Binfield, 25, of Blackwell Road, Kings Langley, appeared at Watford Magistrates Court on Saturday and was charged with murder. He was remanded in custody to reappear before the court today (Friday).

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