Man In Court Over Death Of Oldham Ashes Pensioner.

20 February 2012, 17:31 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A man has appeared in court charged with manslaughter and robbery after the death of 79 year old Nellie Geraghty in Oldham.

37 year old Mark Royle of no fixed address, but previously from the Shaw area has appeared before Oldham Magistrates'.  

Nellie was found in an alleyway with serious head injuries just before midday on Thursday 24 November 2011 and deid later in Royal Oldham Hospital. 

Her handbag, which contained the ashes of her husband Frank, was missing. The strap was still in Nellie's hand. The ashes have still not been recovered. 

Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Rawlinson said: "I would personally like to thank the people in Shaw for their continued support and help with this investigation. It is very much appreciated by both the investigation team and Nellie's family.. 

"The ashes of Nellie's husband Frank are still missing, and as such our work will continue in Shaw for some time." 

Royle will appear before the Crown Court next month.