Inquest for young father abruptly halted

The inquest into the death of Michael Hoolickin has been adjourned

An inquest into the death of a young father who was murdered has been abruptly halted by a coroner.

27-year-old Michael Hoolickin died after he suffered multiple stab wounds in a mass brawl outside the Friendship Inn in Cheapside, Middleton on 14 October 2016. Michael, the youngest son of former Oldham Athletic footballer Gary Hoolickin, suffered five separate knife wounds and 'fought to the end' in hospital.

One of four brothers, Michael left behind a four-year-old son, Ellis.

Timothy Deakin, (07/09/1995) of Lever Street, Heywood, was charged with stabbing Michael to death after the altercation. In April 2017, Deakin was sentenced to life at Bolton Crown Court with a minimum of 27 years for murder.

However, the inquest was adjourned on the second day as it is believed that Deakin potentially should have been in prison at the time of the murder.

It is understood that Deakin breached terms of his licence for previous offences and was never recalled to prison when he killed Michael. 

A coroner’s officer confirmed: “The Inquest of the late Mr Michael Hoolickin was adjourned part-heard by Senior Coroner Ms Kearsley on 12 June 2018.

“Further evidence is required before a date can be set for resumption.”

Senior Coroner Kearsley is understood to have called for an independent report as a result before the inquest is resumed.

Greater Manchester Police has also been contacted for comment.