Father of schoolboy, 12, 'who was murdered by 14-year-old' on Lincolnshire village green refuses to 'judge' the accused, adding: 'I am not God - for this we have court'
The father of a 12-year-old boy allegedly murdered by a teenager on a village green has refused to 'judge' the accused, saying: 'I am not God, for this we have court'.
Roberts Buncis' body was found in Fishtoft, Boston, Lincolnshire on Saturday.
A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with his murder and appeared in court on Monday.
Today, Roberts' father Edgars has called for patience so investigations into the tragedy can continue.
Roberts Buncis with his father Edgars. The 12-year-old schoolboy was found dead on Saturday
Roberts Buncis, 12, was found dead in Fishtoft, Lincolnshire on Saturday. A 14-year-old has been charged with his murder
A JustGiving page has been set up to support tragic Roberts' single father Edgars
In a statement issued through Lincolnshire Police, he said: 'I am comforted by the community support that has been shown and I understand that friends want to show their support by getting together on Saturday.
'I will not be attending, I will remember Roberts in private and celebrate his life at his funeral.
'Please remember Roberts with flowers and a smile. Be safe and please do not do anything stupid. I want you to continue with your lives and do the things that Roberts can no longer do.
'I do not want any other family to go through what I have, please do not make me more sad.'
The grieving father added: 'Do not judge before we know the truth, let the police do their investigation.
'I do not judge the family of the boy involved, I am not God, for this we have court.'
Lincolnshire Police said it was aware of social media posts that have been circulated which are not representative of the victim's father's views.
Chief Inspector James Trafford said: 'Our hearts go out to Roberts's loved ones and everyone who knew him.
Police search undergrowth in Fistoft, Boston, Lincolnshire after the boy, 12, was found dead on Saturday
Tributes left at the scene to Roberts Buncis, the schoolboy who would have turned 13 earlier this week
'While we understand that the community is grieving the loss of Roberts we would like to strongly remind people that we are in a pandemic and Tier 3 Covid restrictions apply.
'The safest way for those who want to pay their respects to Roberts is to do so in private while following the rules. Under Tier 3 rules we are unable to gather in outdoor settings in groups of more than six.'
Cllr Paul Skinner, leader of Boston Borough Council, said: 'Our thoughts are with the family at this time. The death of Roberts has had a huge impact on the community. People will want to pay their respects to Roberts, that is only natural but please respect the family wishes.
'The best way to keep safe is to pay your respects in the privacy of your own home.'
The 14-year-old boy appeared before the Recorder of Lincoln, Judge John Pini QC, on Monday.
The youth, who cannot be named because of his age, will next appear in court on January 11.