Artist's son charged with friend's murder

The teenage son of one of Britain's leading artists appeared in court today charged with murdering one of his closest friends.

Louis Chambers, 18, collapsed in the dock after being told he would face a murder trial at the Old Bailey.

His father, Stephen Chambers, is a highly respected painter and a member of the Royal Academy.

Chambers, of Islington, was remanded in custody over the death of 21-year-old Dylan Bates-Fox.

Mr Bates-Fox died in Bethnal Green in the early hours of Monday after being stabbed after a row over a cab fare. He suffered wounds to his chest and arms and was taken to the Royal London Hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Chambers appeared at Thames magistrates' court this morning sporting a black eye.

The court heard he allegedly knifed Mr Bates-Fox following a row over a taxi fare in Durant Street, Bethnal Green, after a night out. When District Judge Malcolm Read told Chambers he would face a murder trial at the Old Bailey in October, the teenager collapsed in tears on to the floor and had to be helped back to his feet by security officers.

Chambers was remanded in custody until a hearing at the Old Bailey on 13 October.

His 47-year-old father was elected to the RA in 2005. His work "speaks of states of mind, behaviours and sensibilities" and he has collaborated with the Royal Ballet and won several art prizes.