Nellie murder trial date set

NELLIE GERAGHTY: trial date set

A TRIAL date has been set over the death of Shaw pensioner Nellie Geraghty after a former Shaw man pleaded not guilty to murder.

Mark Royle (37) appeared via video link at Crown Square Court in Manchester yesterday.

He faced charges of murder and robbery as well as an alternative charge of manslaughter.

He spoke to confirm his name and enter “not guilty” pleas to the counts that relate to the death of the great-grandmother in November last year.

He was watched by members of Nellie’s family, who were in the public gallery during the short plea and case management hearing.

News of the 79-year-old’s death shocked the borough last winter when she was discovered in an alleyway near her home in Elizabeth Grove, Shaw. on Thursday, November 24.

She was left unconscious, clutching the torn strap of her bag that had contained the ashes of her late husband Frank. She died later in hospital, sparking a major search for her attacker.



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