Builder died from head injury after road collision, inquest is told
MAN HAS DENIED MURDER AND MANSLAUGHTER
AN inquest into the death of a young Derby builder has heard that he died from a head injury sustained in a road traffic collision.
Gianne Obafial was injured in a collision at around 10pm on Abbey Road, near Mercian Way, on July 19. He died later in hospital.
Lawson Byrd, aged 18, of Ash Close, Burton, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter on Monday, December 6, having earlier also pleaded not guilty to murder.
At a hearing at Derby Coroners Court on Wednesday, Julie Mitchell, assistant coroner for Greater Manchester North, formally adjourned proceedings to allow a trial to take place in January.
During the short hearing, she said: “I have previously opened the inquest and I have had the chance to meet, albeit virtually, Gianne’s family.
“All I am here to do today is to adjourn his case formally due to
criminal proceedings that are going on at the moment. It would not be right to continue.
“Can I once again offer my condolences. I am so sorry and my heart really goes out to Gianne’s family in these circumstances.”
The inquest was formally opened on August 10 but at that time no cause of death had been determined.
But at the review on Wednesday, attended by Mr Obafial’s stepfather, Mrs Mitchell confirmed that the cause of death had been recorded as a head injury, as recorded at a post-mortem examination carried out on August 4.
Byrd will appear at Derby Crown Court on Monday, January 17 in relation to Mr Obafial’s death.
In a statement released in August, Mr Obafial’s family said he will be deeply missed and thanked the emergency services for their support.
They said: “All the family and friends of Gianne will sadly miss him but take great comfort in the joy he brought to all our lives in such a short space of time.
“The family wish to thank the emergency services for their care and support. We now request that our privacy is respected and that we are left alone to grieve.”