Family’s tribute to their tragic ‘little soldier’
Reporter: RICHARD HOOTON
Date published: 24 September 2009
MUCH-LOVED . . . Matthew
THE family of a man who died after crashing a car in Oldham on his birthday have paid tribute to their “little soldier.”
Matthew Fricker, of Clarence Street, Heyside, suffered fatal injures in the smash in Oldham Road, Denshaw, in the early hours of his 20th birthday on Saturday. He died two days later.
Devastated parents Paul and Tania paid tribute saying: “Matthew has tragically been taken from us. He was a brother to Ellesse Danielle Margaret, grandson to Elizabeth, dear nephew to Michael and boyfriend to Jessica-Jayne.
“You were loved and brought up at our side, with all our friends and all your own friends.
“Everyone has shed tears of sadness and you will be greatly missed.
“You lit up a room, there wasn’t a bad bone in your body. You were brought up with love and knew how to share love.”
They thanked the ambulance service, fire service and hospital staff for all their efforts to save Matthew.
Two passengers had to be cut free after the Nissan Micra flipped on to its side and smashed into a lamp post during a police pursuit.
A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of burglary and has been bailed pending further inquiries.
A 17-year-old boy remains in hospital with a broken leg.
A traffic officer on routine patrol spotted the stolen car in Ripponden Road, Denshaw, at about 2.10am.
It did a U-turn, sped off and crashed opposite the Printer’s Arms car park.
The traffic officer was relieved from driving duties in line with police policy but has now had the driving suspension lifted.
GMP’s Professional Standards Branch is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. Mr Fricker was known to police after being given a three-year ASBO in 2005 after riding his bike into shops, knocking over displays and running into people.
In 2006, he was given a 12-month detention and training order after he broke into a house.
Judge Craig Osborne slammed the way he had been dealt with by Oldham Magistrates who had let him off eight times with absolute discharges or supervision orders for breaching his ASBO.
His criminal record included theft, shoplifting and motor vehicle offences.
*Any witnesses are asked to contact police on 0161-872 5050.
