Five men accused of murdering a 55-year-old grandfather in High Wycombe have appeared in court today.

The investigation into the death of Andrew Ballantyne, who was found unresponsive on the ground in Micklefield Way on July 31, resulted in five men being arrested and charged with his murder.

Today (Friday), these men appeared at Reading Crown Court via video link from Bullingdon Prison, where they were due to enter pleas to the charges against them.

However, due to a delay in some evidence being provided to the court, Judge Amjad Nawaz opted to postpone the plea hearing to December 22.

Who has been charged?

Five men have been charged with the murder of Mr Ballantyne. They are:

  • Ramah Lambkin, 24, of Rowan Avenue, High Wycombe
  • Asher Anderson, 35, of Walton Gardens, Wembley
  • Daniel Ramsey, 25, of Micklefield Road, High Wycombe
  • Nickolas Williams, 25, of Gibbs Close, High Wycombe
  • James Scott, 32, of Hawthorne Road, High Wycombe

What happens next?

On December 22, the five defendants will have the chance to plead guilty or not guilty to the charges. This will be the first opportunity they have had to enter a plea.

If any of them plead guilty, they will be convicted and then sentenced.

If they plead not guilty, a trial will be held at Reading Crown Court. A provisional trial date has been set for February 7.

Should a trial go ahead, it is expected to last around six weeks.

All five men have been remanded in custody, and have been in prison since they were arrested in the summer.

Who is the victim?

Andrew Ballantyne was a much-loved grandfather who lived in High Wycombe.

Following the 55-year-old’s death on July 31, there was an outpouring of emotion from the community, with one well-wisher describing him as a “Micklefield legend”.

Many other kind words were left for the father and grandfather after he died, and his family also released a touching tribute to the man they lost.

They said: “He was a man who was committed to his family, he was the heart of the family and was a committed son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

“Anything Andrew did, he put his heart and soul into.

“He had a deep passion for cars and he was a peacemaker in the community, talking to young people to change their ways.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

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