Heywood man sentenced for manslaughter

Simon Hogan

A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter today, Tuesday 9 May 2006.

Simon Hogan (born 03/09/78) of Queens Park Road in Heywood pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of John Curran at Manchester Crown Square.

John Curran (born 09/03/61) of Ayr Grove in Darnhill died in Royal Bolton Hospital on Monday 20 June 2005 following an assault two days earlier.

On Saturday 18 June 2005 Mr Curran went to the Highlander Hotel on Sutherland Road, Heywood, at around 10pm for a drink. Hogan was already in the bar and there were only a few other customers around. Hogan and Mr Curran were both on their own.

Shortly after Mr Curran had arrived and ordered his drink, Hogan became rowdy and aggressive. He shouted at Mr Curran and walked towards him in an aggressive manner. He then punched Mr Curran to the side of his head, knocking him to the floor and causing him to hit his head on the wooden dance floor.

The emergency services were called to the pub at around 10.25pm and Mr Curran was taken to Fairfield Hospital in a critical condition. He was transferred to Royal Bolton Hospital on Monday 20 June 2005 where his condition deteriorated and he died.

A post mortem examination was carried out and revealed Mr Curran died as a result of a direct blow to the head, sustaining a significant fracture to his skull.

Hogan was initially arrested on suspicion of section 47 assault at the Highland Hotel on the night of the assault. Following Mr Curran's death he was re-arrested on suspicion of murder and was charged on Wednesday 22 June 2005. He appeared at Rochdale Magistrates court on Thursday 23 June where he was initially remanded in custody but then was granted judge in chambers bail.