28 years for Nellie’s killer

MUCH missed . . . Nellie Geraghty

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Druggie parasite snuffed out a life for sake of a fix
Drug addict Mark Royle has been jailed for life after being found guilty of the murder of beloved Shaw pensioner Nellie Geraghty.

“Shaw doesn’t deserve a monster such as Royle” said Nellie Geraghty’s family after the sentence was handed down at Manchester Crown Court.

Royle, of no fixed address, must serve a minimum of 28 years.

Royle (38) was called a “parasite on society” by the judge after snuffing out the life of a vulnerable 79 year old to steal her handbag to get cash to buy drugs.

Mrs Geraghty was found face down in mud just yards from her home on Elizabeth Grove, on November 24, 2011. She had serious head injuries and died in hospital two days later.

The pensioner had been walking to a local lunch club carrying her handbag, which contained the ashes of her late husband, Frank. Police launched an investigation and arrested Royle on December 9.

The court heard Royle left a friend’s house that morning looking for cash — and returned an hour later with money.

Mrs Geraghty put up a fight to keep a grip on her precious belongings, but had been pushed to the ground then kicked or stamped on. She later suffered a heart attack.

When she was found minutes later by a passer-by, she was still clutching the strap of her bag.

Judge Gilbart QC referred to Royle as a “parasite on society” and slammed his “monstrous” actions.

He said: “She made a ready victim for a bag-snatch. She clung to her bag, which was not surprising for she carried with it the ashes of her late husband.”

Nellie’s handbag was found in the river, but the ashes of her husband Frank have not been recovered.

The judge continued: “You made off, rang your dealer, then having emptied the bag of the money, dumped it in a river. You snuffed out her life just to get the price of your next fix or two.”

Following the verdict, DCI Joanne Rawlinson read a statement on behalf of the family.

It said: “Shaw does not deserve a monster such as Royle and we are so grateful that justice has today been done.

“No amount of time served by him will ever bring back our Nellie.”








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