Man due in court charged with murder of Leeds student Billy Jacob Mankelow

Richard Dennis Langdon Danter, 31, of Queen’s Road, Leeds, has been charged with murder and remanded in police custody.

He is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court today.

Flowers, candles and cards were last night left in tribute to Billy under the railways arches at Swinegate, near Leeds City Station, where he was found with serious head injuries at 3.20am on Saturday.

Billy, from the Hyde Park area of Leeds, studied social sciences at the University of Leeds.

His family rushed up from Kent to be at his bedside at Leeds General Infirmary where he underwent surgery but he died on Sunday.

In a statement, Billy’s family said: “We are devastated by the tragic loss of our loving son Billy and are now asking for privacy at this heartbreaking time to allow our family to grieve.”

One tribute left at the scene said: “Such a beautiful person, Billy. I loved you already and won’t forget your smile. RIP.”

Another said: “You were always full of happiness. You remind me of the sunshine. RIP. Shine down on us.”

Another read: “Thanks for making me smile and thanks for being you.”

Tributes have also been paid on social media.

On Facebook, the Leeds-based Get Baked food company said Billy was an employee, and said: “It’s with a very heavy heart that I have to announce the devastating news of the passing of one of our incredibly valued team members.

“It’s impossible to comprehend.” It describes Billy as a “kind-hearted” and “genuinely decent human being” and adds: “We’re utterly devastated and in shock.”