A man found dead at his flat in Peterhead had been enjoying building a new life for himself in the town.
Friends last night paid tribute to Martynas Krasauskas, and said he was a “lovely person” who would do a favour for anybody.
A murder investigation was launched after the 36-year-old’s body was found in the property on King Street on Sunday.
Yesterday, 44-year-old Kestutis Butkevicius appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court accused of his murder.
Last night, Mr Krasauskas’s distraught former housemates revealed they had feared the worst when they recognised their friend’s flat on the news.
It is understood Mr Krasauskas moved to the north-east from Lithuania five or six years ago and worked in local fish factories and farm labouring jobs.
Friend Tracey Dickson said: “He lived with us for about a year and we knew him really well.
“We saw him just three weeks ago. I cannot believe this has happened – he was just such a nice person.”
She said her dear friend – who was originally from Druskininkai in southern Lithuania – was a polite, “lovely person” who would help anybody out.
“That’s why we invited him to stay with us, to help him out. I knew he now stayed in that flat and when I saw it on the news we just thought, oh my god – that’s Martynas.
“He’s a dear friend to us. He wouldn’t do anything intentionally to hurt anybody, he certainly wasn’t violent. He was quite intelligent and would talk his way out of trouble rather than using his fists.
“Martynas was building a life for himself here.”
Another friend, Michael Duncan, added that when Mr Krasauskas visited earlier this month he brought ingredients to cook the trio a friendly reunion dinner.
Last night there was still a heavy police presence at the first floor flat at the corner of Peterhead’s King Street and Windmill street.
Butkevicius, 44, of Peterhead, made no plea or declaration when he appeared in court yesterday in connection with Mr Krasauska’s murder.
He was remanded in custody, and the case was continued for further examination.