Man charged over alleged murder of Sydney grandfather Vincenzo Leonello

A man has been charged over the alleged murder of a Sydney grandfather found dead in an alley earlier this year.

Vincenzo Leonello was found unresponsive, with bruises to his face and forearms, on Hardie Avenue in Summer Hill on February 7.

A police strike force was launched to investigate the death and today a 56-year-old man was arrested in the same suburb where Leonello died.

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He was taken to Burwood Police Station, where he was charged with murder.

It comes after Leonello's son made a public plea for information about his father's death, describing it as a shock.

"Dad was a much-loved family man, he would have never hurt a fly," Chris Leonello said in late October.

"He loved spending time with us and watching his grandson grow.

"Barbecues in the backyard were one of his most enjoyed times."

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Leonello was homeless at the time of the alleged attack.

The 56-year-old was refused bail to appear in court today.