Man charged in connection with death of grandmother

A man in Britain has been charged in connection with the death of a grandmother who fell and died fighting to keep hold of her handbag containing her husband’s ashes.

Mark Royle, 32, of no fixed address, but previously from the Shaw area of Oldham, has been charged with the manslaughter of Nellie Geraghty and robbery.

Mrs Geraghty, 79, was found in the alleyway leading from Elizabeth Grove to Kershaw Street shortly before midday on November 24 last.

She was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital with serious head injuries but died at about midnight on the next day.

Her handbag, which contained the ashes of her husband Frank, was missing.

The strap was still in Mrs Geraghty’s hand but the ashes have still not been recovered.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Rawlinson from Greater Manchester Police, 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."