Teen, 19, charged with murder after hero who once saved drowning man from river stabbed to death outside Betfred

A 19-YEAR-OLD has been charged with murder after a hero who once saved a drowning man was stabbed to death outside a Betfred.

Brian Jewell, of Exeter, was charged with murder following the death of heroic 45-year-old Stephen Cook.

Today, Jewell appeared during a two minute hearing at Exeter magistrates court.

The teen, of no fixed abode, spoke only to confirm his name, age and homeless status.

He is charged with murdering Stephen Cook following an alleged incident in Sidwell Street, Exeter, around 8.10pm on January 28.

Mr Cook died from a stab wound to the chest.

The magistrates remanded him in custody and he will appear before a judge at Exeter crown court on Thursday.

Stephen Cook - known as 'Cookie' - was a much loved dad-of-two, and a familiar face in the area due to being homeless.

He is known for once bravely saving a man from drowning in the River Exe.

Tributes have poured in since the 45-year-old's death, with teddy bears, flowers, sweets and poems laid outside the Betfred betting shop in Sidwell Street.

Three other people have been bailed on suspicion of affray arising from the same alleged altercation.

Police previously arrested a 29-year-old woman from Exeter, a 32-year-old man from Exmouth and a 19-year-old on suspicion of affray.

The trio will return to court on April 27.