Family of Michael Hoolickin have paid tribute to him after his killer Timothy Deakin was jailed for life

Timothy Deakin

The family of Michael Hoolickin, who was stabbed to death in Middleton, have paid tribute to him after his killer, Timothy Deakin, was jailed for life.

Deakin (7/9/95), of Lever Street, Heywood, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 27 years for murder at Bolton Crown Court on Wednesday.

The court heard that on Friday 14 October 2016 police were called to Cheap Side to reports of a group of men and women fighting.

On arrival officers found 27-year-old Michael Hoolickin had suffered multiple stab wounds. He was taken to hospital where he sadly died.

Speaking at the conclusion of the trial, his family said: “Michael was much loved by all his family and friends and had his whole life ahead of him.

“Michael was taken from us in October last year in completely unnecessary circumstances. We cannot express how devastated we are that his life has been stolen from him.

"We miss Michael every minute of every day. Today his killer has been sentenced and justice has been served.

“We can try to repair our heartache although no matter how long the sentence is, it will not bring Michael back or make our loss any easier.

“We need to attempt to move on and hopefully today will now provide closure for our pain over the last six months, however, we will never forget Michael or the many memories he has given us.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported them over the past few months.

“In particular we would like to thank the senior investigating officers, the investigation team, the family liaison officers, the Crown Prosecution Service, judge, friends and family.”

Senior Investigating Officer Bob Tonge, said: “The loss of any loved one is heart breaking but for the victim’s family and friends to lose him to an act like this must be unbearable.

“He will now spend the next 27 years behind bars and I’m glad we’ve finally got Michael’s family the justice they deserve. I hope this will help to bring them some closure.”