Dog walker stabbed in park - and pet didn't leave his side

Roger Leadbeater, 74, was stabbed as he walked his springer spaniel Max in a park - and his family have shared that his dog was still standing by his side as he lay injured

By Edward Era Barbacena 

A woman has been charged with murder after a council worker was fatally stabbed while walking his dog in Sheffield.

Emma Borowy, 32, has been charged with murder on Saturday following the death of Roger Leadbeater in the suburb of Westfield on Wednesday evening.

The 74-year-old was attacked while walking his "beloved" springer spaniel, Max, in an area of parkland off Shortbrook Close.

Mr Leadbeater worked for Sheffield City Council driving children with special needs to school, his "heartbroken" family said on Friday.

Paying tribute, they described him as a "good, hard-working and decent man" who "doted on his family".

"Roger was a 74-year-old man out walking his beloved dog, Max, when his life was taken in the most brutal and cruel way," they said.

"Even as Roger lay fatally injured, Max never left his side."

They added: "Even at 74, he still worked for Sheffield City Council, driving children to school with special needs.

"As a family, we can barely believe such a kind, gentle soul could be taken in such a way."

Kezzy Hector, who described Mr Leadbeater as her uncle on Facebook, wrote: "I can't put into words how much this hurts, I love you so much and you will always have a massive place in our hearts.

"Life doesn't feel the same anymore without you and your cheeky jokes and laughter."

In another post she said: "My uncle was the best, kindest, loving man you would ever meet", adding that he "had the biggest heart".

Police were called just before 11pm on Wednesday night to reports a man had been stabbed in the chest.

Mr Leadbeater was later pronounced dead at the scene, with a post-mortem examination on Friday concluding he died from multiple stab wounds.

Borowy, of Fearnhead Close, Bolton, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

Detective chief inspector of South Yorkshire Police, Andrea Bowell, who is leading the investigation, vowed the force was "working around the clock to piece together the circumstances of what happened".

There will be an increased police presence in the area, with anyone who has information, CCTV or dashcam footage urged to get in touch.