Donald Lock murder accused appears in court

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a retired solicitor who was stabbed to death in an alleged road rage killing.

Matthew Daley, 34, is accused of murdering 79-year-old Donald Lock after their cars were involved in an alleged minor shunt.

Dressed in a black and white striped shirt, he appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from Belmarsh prison and spoke only to confirm his name, shuffling in his seat throughout the brief hearing.

The case has been listed for mention in the week of October 26, with a plea hearing listed for October 30.

A provisional trial date has been set for November 16, and is due to take place at Lewes Crown Court before Mr Justice Sweeney.

Cycling enthusiast Mr Lock, who had recently been given the all-clear from prostate cancer, died at the scene on the A24 at Findon, near Worthing, West Sussex, on July 16. He was on his way back from a gathering of members of Worthing Excelsior Cycling Club when he was stabbed multiple times.

In the days that followed, relatives spoke of their sadness at the death of Mr Lock, who was due to become a great grandfather for the sixth time later this year.

Son Andrew said Mr Lock - who was married to wife Maureen for 55 years - was "full of wisdom, full of wit, always calm".

A keen traveller, he had been looking forward to going on a cruise with his wife before heading to Scotland for a holiday.

As well as his wife and son, Mr Lock, a Brighton and Hove Albion season ticket holder, leaves daughter Sandra, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

On the day of his funeral, at least 200 cyclists accompanied the hearse carrying Mr Lock's coffin as more than 2,000 people lined the streets of Worthing.

Cyclists formed lines at the entrance to the chapel and created an arch with their front wheels through which the wicker coffin was carried.

Mrs Lock remembered him as a "wonderful, kind, loving, generous husband" who was always supportive and always had a welcoming smile.