Tributes are paid to '˜sensitive and kind' Christopher

The family of tragic Christopher Butler gave out the beautiful flowers for mourners to hold at a moving ceremony at Havant Crematorium yesterday.

Christopher, 27, was a huge Pompey fan and loved ones wore Pompey tops in tribute to him.

Christopher’s body was found in a house in Waverley Road, Southsea, in the early hours of New Year’s Day. A man has been charged with his murder.

But yesterday the focus was on happier times.

Friends and teachers from Park Community School gathered to say goodbye, along with Christopher’s siblings, Kim, John and Robert.

Celebrant Paul Hickman described Christopher as a kind-hearted young man who would do anything for anyone.

He added: ‘He was sensitive with a great sense of humour. A great character with a unique charm.

‘He loved his music and animals and was a huge Pompey fan.’

Jason Mraz’s I Won’t Give Up was played during the service followed by Dido’s White Flag. At this point loved ones placed the pink, yellow and white roses on Christopher’s coffin, which was draped in a Pompey flag with a football-shaped wreath in Pompey colours.

Speaking afterwards, Christopher’s former teacher at Park Community, Tony Watson, spoke of his fond memories of Mr Butler.

He said: ‘I taught Christopher from the ages of 11 to nearly 15.

‘He was happy-go-lucky, full of energy, mischievous and always willing to join in with things. He loved football and was a big Pompey fan.

‘Christopher was never more proud than when I managed to arrange for him to meet his heroes at the training ground in Eastleigh, in the year Pompey were promoted to the Premier League in 2003.

‘I remember him as a very gentle lad.

‘He didn’t have a vicious bone in his body and was always willing to help others. I kept in touch with him after he left school and was so saddened to hear that he had died in such a brutal way.’

Brendon Willis, of Waverley Road, has been charged with murder.