A man who died of stab wounds outside his home lived for his children and his Harley Davidson motorcycle, friends said today.

Flowers for Bill Davey, 41, who died on Friday night, have been laid in front of his house as a mark of respect.

Friends said Mr Davey had suffered a nervous breakdown last year after being accused of sex offences, which he strongly denied.

The-father-of six died from his wounds outside his home in Nuthurst Place, Brighton.

Close friend Leisa Saunders said her husband Steve, 41, went to school with Mr Davey and both men owned Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Mrs Saunders, of The Avenue, Bevendean, said: "Bill was a lovely guy. He loved his kids and was mad about motorcycles."

A friend phoned her husband on Saturday at 1.45am to break the news that Mr Davey was dead.

Mrs Saunders said he was very popular and had many friends, who were stunned at the news.

Mr Davey, a self-employed electrician, had lived in the quiet close for 12 years. He separated from his wife, Carol, about five years ago.

Neighbours said their eldest son left home when they split up and two boys and two girls remained with Mr Davey.

Their youngest child, a daughter, went to live with her mother.

He was due to appear at Lewes Crown Court on February 27, to face rape and indecent assault charges alleged to have taken place between 1990 and last year.

Mrs Saunders said none of Mr Davey's friends doubted he would have been cleared and they could not believe the allegations were made against him.

She said: "He was the last bloke you would think capable of anything like that. He had never been in trouble for anything."

A former jailer appeared at Brighton Magistrates Court yesterday charged with Mr Davey's murder.

Brian Rudwick, 34, of Tarner Road, Brighton, is accused of stabbing Mr Davey to death.

Rudwick will appear at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday, February 28, for a preliminary hearing.

There was no application for bail and he was remanded in custody.