Pensioner Don was strangled, inquest is told
CITY TEEN HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH MURDER OF ESSEX MAN
AN INQUEST has been opened into the death of a pensioner who was found strangled in his home.
A teenage boy from Leicester has been charged with the murder of Donald Ralph in Essex last month.
The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is due to appear in court accused of murdering the 83-year-old.
Mr Ralph was found dead in his home in the village of Aldham, four miles to the west of Colchester, by his niece, the inquest this week heard.
Police, who were called to Mr Ralph’s home at 1pm on Tuesday, December 29, believe Mr Ralph died the previous afternoon.
A post-mortem has revealed he died as a result of strangulation.
The Leicester teeanger has been charged with murder and with the theft of a motor vehicle.
A second suspect, Leighton Snook, of no fixed address, is also accused of murdering Mr Ralph.
The 28-year-old also faces additional charges of possession of an offensive weapon and theft of a motor vehicle.
Detectives are also following a line of investigation concerning two guns which are believed to have been stolen from Mr Ralph’s home at the time of his death.
Mr Ralph was a registered firearms keeper.
A virtual hearing, overseen by senior coroner Tina Harrington, on Tuesday, formally opened Mr Ralph’s inquest.
Sarah Lee, coroner’s assistant, said: “On December 29 Mr Ralph was found on his back, on the floor, unresponsive. He had facial injuries.
“Mr Ralph’s death was confirmed and police attended and are continuing their investigations.”
A post-mortem examination, carried out at Colchester Hospital on Wednesday, December 30, revealed he died as a result of ligature strangulation.
His niece Tina Ralph said: “Don was a very young-at-heart, fit 83-year-old, with boundless energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment of life.
“He was a man who loved all things countryside, particularly fishing and the Norfolk Broads, as well as being an avid bird lover. He loved horse racing and spent many a happy Saturday having a little flutter.
“Don was a character who will be much missed by his wide circle of friends, and all his family.”
Three others – men, aged 30 and 39, and a 21-year-old woman – were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. They have been released under investigation while inquiries continue.