Italian murder victim Joele Leotta 'had been seeking work'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-24667501

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The family of an Italian man who died following an attack in Kent have spoken of their devastation that he will return home in a coffin.

Joele Leotta, 20, was found seriously injured in a bedsit above a restaurant in Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, on Sunday night, and died in hospital.

Mr Leotta's cousin, Andrea Augustini, said he had arrived in t

he UK just a few days before his death to find work.

Four men from Lithuania have been charged with his murder.

Mr Augustini said: "He went to find work because here there is none... and he died over there.

"He will come back in a coffin - at 20 years old in a coffin - after a week."

Mr Leotta's parents have travelled to Kent from Italy to formally identify his body.

Aleksandras Zuravliovas, 26, of Beaumont Road, Maidstone, Tomas Gelezinis, 30, of Lower Stone Street, Maidstone, Saulius Tamoliunas, 23, of Union Street, Maidstone and Linas Zidonis, 21, of no fixed abode, appeared before Medway magistrates charged with his murder on Thursday.

They were remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday.

The four Lithuanians have also been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with another assault.