Mr Reid died from severe head and body injuries in a brutal assault in his Woolnough Place unit.

Two men he had let into his unit at 7.30am on Sunday, January 29, 2006, tried to rob him. Mr Reid fought back but was bashed with a wrench and a taser gun. He died in Liverpool Hospital that day.

Police arrested Luke Camby, 21, of Ashcroft, last Thursday and a man, 19, the following day.

Both were charged with murder and were remanded in custody when they appeared in court on Friday.

Mr Reid's brother David said: ``My father is 74 and before he passes away I'm glad that it looks like we may know what happened to Derrick.

``Derrick's death had a devastating effect on the family; there's nothing worse than having to turn off the life-support machine and say your last goodbyes to your brother.

``He was a really great bloke, just very friendly and always joking and asking you how you were.

``He lived on his own in a one-bedroom apartment; he was a loner but he was happy.''

Mr Reid said one of Derrick's happiest times was as a professional boxer in his early 20s.

``He was a tough guy in his time,'' he said.

``He used to win every fight, but he always had a very gentle personality.''

Camby will reappear at Liverpool Local Court on July 23.

The 19-year-old cannot be named because he was a minor when the murder occurred.

He will appear in Campbelltown Children's Court later this month while police inquiries continue.

Green Valley police, 96071732. Crime Stoppers, 1800333000.