On Thursday, November 28, a pre-inquest review was held at Manchester Coroners' Court regarding the death of Ashley Walsh, who was murdered by his friend. The court learned that Walsh's killer, Gerard McGlacken, attempted to purchase an illegal knife a month prior to the killing.

Ashley Walsh, aged 34, was brutally attacked in January 2022 by McGlacken and his nephew Aaron Evitt. During the trial, it was revealed that Walsh was struck over the head with a hammer and subsequently stabbed multiple times at McGlacken's flat located in Collyhurst.

Walsh had visited the duo at their Kintore Walk property with his dog, where they consumed alcohol together. The situation escalated when Evitt became enraged following an argument, leading to the violent assault on Walsh, before McGlacken dismembered his body.

Days after the murder, Walsh's remains were discovered in four suitcases at Sandhills Park. In July 2022, McGlacken and Evitt were sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in the murder, receiving a minimum term of 28 years at Manchester Crown Court.

During the recent hearing, Coroner Zak Golombek was presented with arguments regarding the necessity of a jury inquest and the scope of evidence to be considered. Walsh's family expressed a desire to understand the potential risks posed by Evitt and McGlacken before the incident, noting that both were on probation after being released from prison for attempted burglary.

The court heard that police had visited McGlacken's home the previous December when he attempted to buy an illegal 'gravity knife' online, a purchase that was flagged by Border Force officials and reported to Greater Manchester Police. It was suggested that probation service staff were likely not informed of this incident.

The court also heard about police calls concerning domestic disturbances, including an incident where Evitt was asked to leave his ex-partner's residence. Greater Manchester Police noted that there were 'discussions of violent threat', although no formal crime report was made.

Coroner Golombek emphasized his intention to remain focused on the facts of the case while further exploring these incidents in his inquiry. A full inquest is scheduled to commence on March 24 and is expected to last five days.