Tragedy unfolds of a grieving husband

A GRIEVING husband, who "shut down" after the death of his wife, was not seen for months prior to his body being found at his home.

The body of Patrick Joseph Manning (62) was found by police on October 31 in the upstairs front bedroom of his home on Eric Street, Failsworth, 10 months after the death of his wife Evelyn who he had cared for for 15 years.

An inquest, held at Heywood Phoenix Centre yesterday, heard how Evelyn, who had deteriorating health, became terminally ill six years ago and after her death in January 2016 Patrick became unresponsive to contact from his sister-in-law Elaine Findlay.

Born in the Oldham area, Patrick was adopted as the only child into the care of Frank and Mary Manning and, as he had no siblings or children, Elaine was his closest family member.

The inquest heard how residents last saw him around three months before his body was found and described Patrick as a private person who would say "hello" in the street but kept "himself to himself".

After concerns were raised about the considerable amount of time he had not been seen, police investigated his house where they found his body.

As it had been some time before Mr Manning was found, it was impossible to identify him via a picture, but on the basis of probabilities, being found in his home with letters, a passport and driving licence, it was agreed it was him.

A post-mortem examination could not be carried out as his body had decomposed but there was no evidence of drug or alcohol abuse, medical history or suspicious circumstances which led the coroner to conclude a unascertained death from natural causes. It was felt by Elaine that after his wife's passing Patrick "gave up".

Speaking at the inquest Elaine, who had travelled from her home in Maybole, Scotland, to attend, said: "I think he just gave up after Evelyn died. I think he just shut down. I think he just gave up and wasn't really eating or looking after himself. At least he is with Evelyn now."

Senior coroner Simon Nelson said: "Given the distance involved I thought it unfair to direct you to attend and had not in fact expected you to attend. It is clearly a testament to the late Mr Manning that you are here. I find it to be a fitting tribute to the character of the individual.

"The relationship that he had with your late sister was close. I don't believe that there would be any conclusive evidence as such, but it is clear from what I have heard that he was gravely affected by her death.

"I extend my condolences to you and all those affected."

Patrick left school when he was 16. He attended college where he trained as a chef before joining the merchant navy.