THE family of an Isle of Wight taxi driver found dead by his cab have spoken of their shock and devastation for the first time.

Paul Rosenberg, 56, died from serious head injuries after he was attacked last Thursday.

His brother, Bokkie Rosenberg, 54, from North London, said: "Paul was a quiet man, a private, deeply introspective and spiritual person, who, like his father, was a gentleman in its literal sense. He was working as a cab driver on the Isle of Wight, a place he had loved since he first went on holiday there.

"He was passionate about music and the beauty of creation. He was working out his last two months as a cabbie before devoting himself full time to music. We will never know the fruit of his musical endeavours to be.

"We were deeply moved by the verbal and floral tributes from his fellow cab drivers. He was clearly popular and respected.

Lee Albert Arnold, 19, from Cowes has been charged with murder and appeared at Newport Magistrates yesterday. He has been remanded in custody.