A heartbroken Audlem pub landlord has paid tribute to his teenage son found dead on a lane in a Cheshire village.
Adam Rodda’s son Alex, 15, was found in the village of Ashley on Friday morning (December 13). A man has been charged with his murder.
Adam, who runs the Bridge Inn pub in Audlem, today paid tribute and thanked his customers who have rallied around him and his family.
On Facebook, Adam said: “To all my lovely friends and customers at the Bridge Inn at Audlem.
“I can’t thank you enough and will never forget all your kindness at what is undoubtedly the most horrendous time of my life.
“As you know my team and I have worked tirelessly to ensure the Bridge is a pleasant and enjoyable place to eat and drink.
“All I ask is you continue to support the Bridge with your custom and continue to enjoy your time there.
“It should be a happy time of year and that’s want I want it to be for you all.
“I don’t want anyone feeling uncomfortable or uneasy and staying away.
“My wonderful team and family who are helping in my absence at the Bridge are keen to carry on as normal.
“For all those who have offered support and help, the best way to do that is to carry on regardless and support the Bridge like you have thus far.
“I will be back as soon as I feel I can talk to you all without breaking down.
“In the interim, please say a little prayer for my beautiful baby boy, who I know a lot of you have met.
“Alex was such a happy, loving boy and helped in the Bridge on many occasions.
“RIP my perfect and beautiful boy. I love you more than life itself.”
An 18-year-old man has been charged with murder following the discovery of Alex’s body.
Matthew Mason, of Ollerton, near Knutsford, was arrested in Forton near Newport in Shropshire, at around noon on Friday December 13.
Approximately four hours before he was arrested, Alex’s was body was discovered outside in Ashley Mill Lane, Ashley.
The family of the boy from the Knutsford area have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Mason has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
He has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Monday 16 December.
In a family statement issued through Cheshire Police yesterday (December 14), they said: “Alex was a very loving, caring, kind, loyal and, most of all, trusting young boy.
“He loved life and made friends wherever he went.
“He will be sorely missed.”
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Blackwell, of Cheshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Directorate, said: “Our thoughts are with Alex’s family at this extremely difficult time.
“They are currently being supported by specialist officers and we request for their privacy to be respected.”
(Image, top, issued by family via Cheshire Police. Image, below, issued by Adam)
Absolutely heart breaking I send all my prayers to you and your family
No words will ever ease your pain, thoughts & prayers to you & your family @ this difficult time . Lots of love xx