Inquest into young father's death stopped for a second time

Michael Hoolickin, pictured at a wedding

The inquest into the death of young father Michael Hoolickin, who was murdered, has been halted for a second time by a coroner.

Michael, 27, died after he suffered multiple stab wounds in a mass brawl outside the Friendship Inn in Cheapside, Middleton on 14 October 2016.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/105691/murder-inquiry-launched-after-stabbing-victim-dies

Timothy Deakin, then 21, 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.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/109310/family-of-michael-hoolickin-have-paid-tribute-to-him-after-his-killer-timothy-deakin-was-jailed-for-life

The inquest into Michael’s death was originally adjourned in June 2018 after it emerged that Deakin potentially should have been in prison at the time of the murder.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/119623/inquest-for-young-father-abruptly-halted

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

However, the inquest has been halted again following a request for further information by Senior Coroner Joanne Kearsley.

The inquest will resume in July 2019 and is expected to last two weeks.