THE funeral of murdered Stourbridge property developer Richard Sherratt is due to take place today (Thursday August 9).

Mr Sherratt, aged 57, was found dead in his rented flat in Bridgnorth on June 14 and three people have since been charged with murder and robbery.

Friends and family will say their last goodbyes to the well-known businessman, who was found to have died of head injuries, at a funeral service at St Peter’s Church, Kinver, at 12.30pm.

Mr Sherratt, who used to run Hyperion Homes, leaves three grown-up children Tom, Joseph and Jennie Sherratt.

Described as a “colourful character” by pal Andrew Jennings - the businessman, who grew up in Kinver, had been responsible for numerous property developments in Stourbridge and surrounding areas.

At the time of his death he had been getting set to build two cottages in High Town, Bridgnorth, where he had been living on site in an apartment for about six weeks.

Business colleagues in Stourbridge were left stunned at the news of his tragic death.

Michael Cyril Smith, aged 51, from Horton Street Tipton, Paramjit Singh, aged 32, from Willmore Road, Perry Barr; and Emma Jane Bate, aged 25, from Gladstone Street, Aston, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court on June 25 charged with murdering Mr Sherratt.

All three were also charged with robbery and were remanded in custody to appear on September 17.

Mr Singh and Ms Bate are also accused of perverting the course of justice.

Donations in memory of Mr Sherratt will go to the Lymphoma Association and can be made via c/o funeral directors JT Brooks, Mount Pleasant, Brierley Hill.