Mark Royle, 32, Charged With Ashes Manslaughter Of Nellie Geraghty And Robbery

Man Charged Over Death Of Grandmother

A man has been charged in connection with the death of a grandmother who fell and died fighting to keep hold of her handbag containing her husband's ashes.

Mark Royle, 32, of no fixed address, but previously from the Shaw area of Oldham, has been charged with the manslaughter of Nellie Geraghty and robbery.

Mrs Geraghty, 79, was found in the alleyway leading from Elizabeth Grove to Kershaw Street shortly before midday on Thursday 24 November 2011.

She was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital with serious head injuries but died at about midnight on the next day.

Her handbag, which contained the ashes of her husband Frank, was missing.

The strap was still in Mrs Geraghty's hand but the ashes have still not been recovered.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Rawlinson from Greater Manchester Police, said: "I would personally like to thank the people in Shaw for their continued support and help with this investigation.

"It is very much appreciated by both the investigation team and Nellie's family.

"The ashes of Nellie's husband Frank are still missing, and as such our work will continue in Shaw for some time.

"We have previously circulated images of a mountain bike that we are very keen to trace.

"To date we have still not recovered this bike. I would appeal for anyone with any information about the bike to contact myself.

"Have you had a bike like this stolen? Have you been offered this bike for sale? Have you recently bought this bike? I would like to hear from you."

He is due to appear before Oldham Magistrates' Court tomorrow morning to face the charges relating to Mrs Geraghty.

Royle was previously charged with a robbery that occurred on Yorkshire Street, Rochdale, shortly after 4pm on Friday December 9 2011.

A 35-year-old woman was robbed of her handbag. Royle remains on remand ahead of a plea and case management hearing in relation to this matter at Bolton Crown Court on February 28.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5448 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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