‘Wonderful’ man’s heart of gold put him in danger
JOSEPH O’Hanlon’s family described him as a ‘wonderful man with a heart of gold’ whose ‘kindness and vulnerability’ put him in danger.
Mr O’Hanlon’s griefstricken family spoke out as killer Anthony Bennett, 43, was beginning a life sentence for the ‘sadistic’ murder.
Linda Healey, Mr O’Hanlon’s former wife who found his body in May, and Linda’s son Francis, who Joseph brought up from the age of seven, issued a touching tribute to his life following the sentencing.
They said: “Joe was a wonderful man who had a heart of gold and often went out of his way to help others.
“He was much loved by those closest to him.
“Joe was taken from us in April in completely unnecessary circumstances.
“We believe it was his kindness and vulnerability that put him in a position of danger.
“We cannot express how devastated we are that his life has been stolen from him and we miss him every minute of every day.
“His killer has now been sentenced, and justice has been served.
“We can try to repair our heartache although no matter how long the sentence is, it will not bring Joe back or make our loss any easier.
“We need to attempt to move on and hopefully it will now provide closure for our pain over the last six months, however, we will never forget Joe or the many memories he has given us.”
The family also thanked Greater Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Senior Investigating Officer Bob Tonge said: “This was a senseless killing of a kind and generous vulnerable man.
“The injuries inflicted upon Joe by Bennett were sadistic and unnecessary.
“Joseph was a good man, but people took advantage of him. Anthony Bennett was a violent individual and one of those people who took advantage of Joseph’s good nature and ultimately killed him.
“Joseph’s family now have to pick up the pieces and get on with their lives.”