Ripley man faces charges following his father’s death during an attack at a motocross event.

Ripley man faces charges following his father’s death during an attack at a motocross event.

A family has paid tribute to a ‘joyful’ father-of-three who died after an attack at a motorcross event. Lee Starr, who was in his 30s, was attacked while attending the Foxhill motocross, near Wanborough, Wiltshire, on August 22.

The incident happened at about 9.15pm and Lee was later taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where he died from his injuries three days later.

Ben Starr, 34, of Woodside Avenue, Ripley, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He has appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court and has been released on bail until his next appearance on September 27.

Paying tribute, Lee’s family said: “Words cannot possibly even begin to convey the sense of shock and loss we feel. Lee was the best dad, husband, grandad, son and friend and was devoted to his family.

Lee had loads of friends and he was loved by everybody; his friends would say ‘Everybody needs a little bit of Lee Starr in their life’. And they did. Lee was wise and always knew how to make things right.

“He was kind and soft, and he was my calm to my chaos. He brought light and joy to anyone who met him and now life will never be the same without him.