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Home Folkestone News Article
A family have paid tribute to a loving father, found unconscious in a car park after a brutal attack.
Tim Clayton's son and daughter said they wanted their father to be remembered as a man who would go out of his way to help others.
They were speaking after setting up a memorial of flowers to him at the top of Folkestone's Road of Remembrance.
Mr Clayton died at the Royal London Hospital on Sunday, the day after suffering head injuries following a brutal assault.
He was found in a car park behind Europa House in Pound Way, Folkestone, at 8.25am on Saturday.
Brian Sharp, of Manor Road, Folkestone was charged over the death of 45-year-old Tim Clayton last night.
The 54-year-old appeared before Folkestone magistrates this morning, and was remanded in custody to Maidstone Crown Court.
Now Mr Clayton's son and daughter - Jessica, aged 22, and Jake, 21 - say they have been overwhelmed by the support they have received from their father's friends.
A social media group has also been set up in his memory, and has been joined by 1,000 people.
Jessica said: "Dad was always smiling. We all knew he had his demons but despite what was going on in his life, he would always go out of his way to help other people."
Born and brought up in the Folkestone area, Mr Clayton attended Harvey Grammar School and after getting married he lived with his family in Cheriton, Lyminge and Elham.
He and his brother, Simon, were keen Liverpool FC supporters.
Recently he worked at Comet stores in Canterbury, Ashford and Folkestoneand some of the most moving tributes have come from former customers.
Jake said: "It has been amazing that people have said that they remember him although he may have only served them once.
"I think it is because he would always do that little bit extra to ensure that customers received a good service."
Mr Clayton also leaves his parents Anna and John. No funeral date has yet been set.
Hundreds of people have paid tribute to Mr Clayton, who worked at Comet, on Facebook.
Friend Steve Mitchell said: "I have just had some unbelievably sad news.
"An old colleague from my Comet days passed away today from the horrific injuries of an attack in Folkestone on Friday night.
"Tim Clayton will be remembered by all that knew him as a warm, genuine guy who was always ready to help others. RIP Tim."
Many people have posted messages of condolence on Mr Clayton's Facebook page.
Friend Graeme Weatherly said: "RIP Tim. Top guy who made working at Comet fun, always had a laugh when you were working. You will be sadly missed."
Lisa Howard said: "R.I.P Tim Clayton, fond memories of our skating days and the laughs we had. Cannot believe the way you have been taken away, love to all the family x"
"Tim Clayton will be remembered by all that knew him as a warm, genuine guy who was always ready to help others..." - friend Steve Mitchell
Peter Macer posted: "Rip tim! Top man, great worker, top bloke. Didn't deserve this. You'll never walk alone!! X"
And Jape Clark posted: "He was a really good laugh and a lovely guy - my condolences to his family & friends. RIP Tim."
As well as Sharp's arrest on Sunday, another man, aged 25 and from Folkestone, was arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released on bail until November 28.
Three men of no fixed address were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of assault.
Two of the men, aged 28 and 38, have been released without charge. The third man, aged 44, has been released on bail pending further enquiries until December 6.
Witnesses or anyone with information is urged to phone Kent Police on 101, quoting incident number 09-337.
