An inquest has been opened following the death of a 45-year-old Oldham father who was found unconscious with a serious head injury in the street two weeks ago.
Police were called at around 11.55pm on Thursday, November 9, after Vincent McDonagh was found.
He died a short time later.
Since then, 38-year-old Lee Francis Burns, of Worsley Street, has been charged with the murder of Vincent, who fiancée Demi Sykes described as “a loving dad and devoted family man.”
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Assistant coroner Michael Salt opened the inquest at Rochdale Coroners Court on the morning of Tuesday, November 21.
The coroner told the court that Vincent Frankie McDonagh had been born in Dublin, Ireland, on January 19, 1978, and had been living in Worsley Street, Oldham, at the time of his death.
Mr McDonagh was said to be unemployed at the time of his death, and was survived by partner Demi Sykes.
The court heard evidence from police coroner’s officer Kathy Skelton, who said that Mr McDonagh had been found unresponsive on Abbey Hills Road in Oldham by a passer-by, and was believed to be a victim of an assault.
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Ms Skelton said that Mr McDonagh’s cause of death had not yet been ascertained.
Mr Salt added: “This is clearly an unexpected death and one that might require an inquest in due course.”
However, due to the active criminal proceedings, the coroner did not set a date for the hearing, instead saying the matter would be reviewed on December 19.
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Greater Manchester Police is appealing to anyone with information about this incident to come forward.
This includes anyone who may have relevant footage including CCTV, mobile or dashcam.
A report can be made by calling 101 quoting log 3909 of 09/11/2023.
Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Oldham. Please email me at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.
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