The father of a Big Issue seller found dead in Bournemouth has spoken of his son’s childhood in Lichfield.
Three teenagers have been charged with murder after 41-year-old Ralph Millward’s body was found outside the Marks and Spencer Store in the Westbourne area of Bournemouth on May 8.
Ralph spent his childhood in Lichfield and followed his parents Ken and Audrey to the seaside resort 13 years ago.
Speaking to the Bournemouth Echo, his father revealed how his son’s life had been blighted by alcohol abuse. He added:
“He was not a bad kid. When he left school he came to work with me in the Dunlop factory as a machine operator but he eventually lost that job through drink.”
Two boys aged 16 and one aged 14, have been charged with Ralph’s murder and will appear at Poole Youth Court on May 18.
Samanth Allen, Bournemouth’s Big Issue distribution manager paid tribute to Ralph. She said:
“He had become well respected and loved by staff and volunteers at The Big Issue as well as with his customers and the wider community.”
