Murder case victim was 'kind spirit', family says

The victim of a stabbing which prompted a murder inquiry was a "compassionate soul", with a love of music, astronomy and animals, his family has said.

Gerard Coulter, who was in his 40s, was found fatally injured at a property in Maldon Close, Reading, on 2 January.

Brett Mann, 49, of Maldon Close, was charged with murder and is due to appear at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday.

Police previously said the pair were known to each other.

Officers were called to the scene by South Central Ambulance Service shortly before 23:40 GMT.

They said the victim, who had several stab wounds, was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement released by Thames Valley Police, Mr Coulter's family said his loss had been heartbreaking.

The family said: "As a son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew and uncle, he brought love and light into our lives in ways that words can scarcely describe.

"His passing was sudden and violent, something no-one deserves, least of all someone as kind and gentle as Gerard.

"His belief in the goodness of others and his unwavering hope in life's possibilities made him a rare and beautiful presence in this world."

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