Family pays tribute to murdered Anthony

Anthony Kershaw

The family of a man who died after he was stabbed in Rochdale has paid tribute to him.

Anthony Kershaw, 25, from Rochdale, died on Tuesday 20 April.

He was stabbed during a disturbance at a flat on Great Howarth just after midnight and died in hospital at 10.50am that morning.

His mum Debbie Alger and her partner Jon said: "If you were lucky enough to know Ant, or the Tone as he was known to his many, many friends, then you will know that he was a belter.

"He never bad mouthed anyone and didn’t judge anyone. If you wanted a laugh you were with the right person.

"He was a Belfield lad who went to St Cuthbert's, always a jack the lad and loved by many.

"He adored his mum and his two brothers Damien, 21, and Mason, 10, he treasured his beautiful niece Kodi, two.

"He lived a full life and had done many things.

"When he met Natalie, his girlfriend, nearly three years ago he realised that it was family life for him, so along came Stevie-Lee, the little man who is now the image of him and his memory.

“Being a devoted daddy and partner came so naturally to him.

"As my son, he protected me, respected me, loved me and cuddled me nearly every day. We had a unique bond and closeness. There is a huge hole left in my heart and my whole world has been torn apart.

"He has left so many people so happy to have known him."

His girlfriend Natalie said: "My baby, my life, my best friend, you taught me to love and be loved in return. I just hope you know how much you mean to me. I will forever be your girl."

His brother Mason said: "To my bro, me and Dame are going to teach Stevie how to play football and look after him for you. I love you always."

Anthony's nana Anne said: "To Ny, the man in my life who gave me strength and courage when he told me that we would always be heart to heart. I love you. Sleep safe in my arms always and forever. I love you."

A post mortem revealed that Anthony died from a single stab wound to the stomach.

Michael Williams (born 04/09/57) of Great Howarth, Smallbridge, Rochdale, has been charged with Anthony's murder and appeared at Rochdale Magistrates' Court on Thursday 22 April 2010.

Three men aged 21, 20 and 23 arrested on suspicion of burglary have been bailed until July 2010 pending further inquiries and a 23-year-old has been released without charge.