A YORK man who took his own life after suffering a brutal attack is to be the focus of a cinematic tribute at a city cinema.

Chiefs at City Screen are planning to show a special charity screening of Blade Runner - the favourite film of duty manager Justin Berry.

Justin, 31, was found dead in a fume-filled parked car near Kirkham Abbey on May 6. Only weeks earlier, he had been the victim of a vicious assault when he was found with a plastic cable tied round his neck after being knocked off his bike on waste ground on April 24.

His partner, Adam Petch, believes that Justin, who had previously suffered from depression, was unable to come to terms with the baffling late-night attack.

Adam said that City Screen has offered to programme the science-fiction film for a memorial fundraising event. Cinema bosses are due to schedule the film sometime during the next few months.

Adam said: "The director's cut of Blade Runner was Justin's favourite film. I think it will be a fitting tribute.

"The City Screen have been excellent. A lot of people were very shocked when they heard of his death."

Justin was passionate about the environment, conservation and animal welfare. Adam also said that some of the money raised could go towards the planting of trees at the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

"He loved to go to the Yorkshire Dales. At first we only wanted to plant a tree, but that has grown somewhat as more of Justin's friends and family hear about it."

Cath Sharp, manager of City Screen, said: "This is something we are looking to plan in the next few months. We are more than happy to support it because we all loved Justin."

Adam said that Justin's funeral would be held on Friday, at 1pm, at York Crematorium.

He said family and friends could also gather to celebrate Justin's life at City Screen, from 2pm.

Updated: 08:51 Monday, June 02, 2003