MOURNERS are tomorrow expected to pay their final respects to a man who was allegedly murdered at his Llanelli home.

Richard Shrapnell, aged 36, died after an incident at his Ty Elizabeth flat on March 4.

Friends say they are expecting a big turnout at his funeral, which takes place at Llanelli Crematorium at 1.30pm.

Neighbour Charmaine Hughes, of Ty Meriel, said she hoped people would remember Mr Shrapnell for how he lived and not how he died.

"Richard was popular with a lot of people around here, and I'll always remember him as a lovely man who would always help you out," she said.

"He liked a laugh and a joke, and was full of life. I really feel for the family, especially his father — I don't think it has sunk in for them yet.

"Every time I look up at his flat it makes me feel sad — it's such a waste of a life and he didn't deserve what happened to him."

Mrs Hughes said flowers had been laid outside Mr Shrapnell's flat, just off Station Road, since his death.

Neighbour Darren Curwood, also 36, has been charged with Mr Shrapnell's murder.

He has been remanded in custody until May, when the allegations will be formally put to him.

Mr Shrapnell was the boyfriend of Curwood's sister Rachel Curwood.

Curwood's partner of seven years, Kirsty Bernadete Bettis, aged 24, of the same address, stands accused of intending to pervert the course of justice, in relation to the murder.

In an obituary notice in the Evening Post's sister paper the Llanelli Star, Mr Shrapnell's family said: "Richard will be sadly missed by all his loving family, many friends and all those whose lives he touched."