A 16-year-old boy and a 28-year-old man have been charged with the murder of a pensioner who was strangled at his home.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and Leighton Snook are due to appear in court tomorrow accused of killing Donald Ralph, 83.

Mr Ralph’s body was found at his home in the village of Aldham, near Colchester, Essex, on Tuesday.

A post-mortem examination found he died from strangulation.

Snook, of no fixed address, and the 16-year-old, from Leicester, have both been charged with murder and theft of a motor vehicle, while Snook also faces a charge of possession of an offensive weapon.

Mr Ralph’s blue Volvo V50 was stolen from outside his home, and was later found in Hastings, East Sussex.

Two men, aged 30 and 39, and a 21-year-old woman, have been released on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Paying tribute, Mr Ralph’s family said he loved being in the countryside and was ‘very young at heart’.

His niece, Tina Ralph, said: ‘He was a man who loved all things countryside, particularly fishing and the Norfolk Broads, as well as being an avid bird lover.

‘He loved horse racing and spent many a happy Saturday having a little flutter.

‘Don was a unique character, who will be much missed by his wide circle of friends, and all his family.’

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