A man has been charged with the murder of Donald Lock, who was killed in what police described as a frenzied attack by the roadside after a minor traffic collision on Thursday.
Officers said Matthew Daley, 34, from Worthing, West Sussex, was charged on Sunday with Lock’s murder and the possession of a knife in a public place. He is due to appear at Crawley magistrates court on Monday.
Lock, a 79-year-old great-grandfather who had recently recovered from cancer, was killed after his car hit the back of another heading in the same direction on the A24 at Findon.
A keen traveller, he had been looking forward to going on a cruise with his wife next month before heading to Scotland for a holiday.
On Saturday his son, Andrew, paid tribute to his father’s adventurous streak – travelling around the world and even riding ostriches.
He said: “Over recent years we have joked with Mum and Dad about their holidays, suggesting they let us know when they are at home rather than when they are away.
“They have travelled to all parts of the world over the last 20 or so years. They have often done things that people 20 years younger would think twice about – walking over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, jet boat rides, even riding ostriches.”
In a statement, his family said: “Don had been a keen cyclist since the age of 12 and an active member of the Worthing Excelsior cycling club since 1960. He was not your typical great-grandfather and was still cycling up to 150 miles per week.
“He still holds the club record for the 24-hour time trial having remained unbeaten for 44 years. He was full of energy having recently been given the all-clear from cancer.”
“Not only was he passionate about cycling but he had also been supporting Brighton and Hove Albion since the 1940s and was a season-ticket holder. He loved travelling the world with his wife, Maureen, and he adored his family. He and Maureen had just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.”
The statement added that Lock, who had two children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, was to have a sixth great-grandchild later this year.
John Lucas, who had been a member of the same cycling club as Lock for 55 years, said he and other friends of Lock’s could not believe what had happened. He said he saw Lock not long before he was killed and said “cheerio”.
Lucas said his friend’s death was a terrible thing, adding: “He was an unbelievable guy. He would do anything for anyone. I can’t understand how it happened. He wouldn’t have got out of the car and caused any trouble at all. He wasn’t that type of guy.”
One tribute left at the scene read: “Grandad, there are no words to express how I’m feeling. I have lost a very special grandad. My only grandad. I love you so much. You will be truly missed by so many people. I just wish I could hug you one last time.”
Adrian Palmer, Worthing Excelsior’s club secretary, said that Lock had been socialising with fellow members who were involved in a race. “I don’t think he was involved in the marshalling, but he turned up and socialised with the rest of the group, and then he went home – and this happened,” he said.
He called Lock the club’s backbone. “Don was a kind, gentle and fair man and a good friend. He was also well respected throughout the cycling fraternity.
“Don was an enthusiastic member and, although he no longer raced, would always support the club in its many ventures and would offer support, guidance and encouragement to all.”
