THE family of a man who died after being stabbed through the heart have described him as "a gentle giant”.

Stephen Norrington, 39, of Partridge Close, Broomfield, Herne Bay, died from his wounds in the Queen Mother Hospital at Margate.

Mr Norrington and his wife, Jennifer, married a year ago this month and moved into their new home with her five children.

“He doted on the children and would do anything he could for them,” said his father Bruce Norrington, of Parkside Place, Canterbury.

Mr Norrington had been employed by various trucking companies and did trips to the Continent. He once took his truck to be blessed at St Peter’s Church, Whitstable, where he had been christened, confirmed and married.

“Stephen was 23 stone, a gentle giant,” added his father. “He never smoked and didn’t drink much but used to live for trucks.”

Mark Laverick, a 34-year-old plumber, also of Partridge Close, Broomfield, has been charged with murder. He has been remanded in custody to Maidstone Crown Court.