A MOTHER told of the shock moment she returned from an evening out to be told her 41 year old son had lost his life.

Marlene Fletcher was giving evidence at an inquest opening, after her son Gary was prounced dead on Wednesday April 4. A man named Philip Rhodes has been accused of his murder.

Mrs Fletcher, of Hammerton Green, Bacup and her family now face a wait until they can cremate Mr Fletcher, as Mr Rhodes' solicitor has asked for a second post mortem examination to be carried out, on behalf of the defence.

East Lancs Coroner David Smith, who adjourned the inquest, said because of the Easter break, there would be a slight delay and he did not think the examination would be carried out for at least another 10 days. Mr Smith said as soon as Mr Rhodes' solicitor gave clearance, he could sign the cremation certificate for Mr Fletcher's funeral. He sympathised with the dead man's family having to wait, but added: "It is important the right person is brought to justice."

Mrs Fletcher said Gary, also of Hammerton Green, was found at one of the properties there. He lived alone and she last saw him a couple of days before when he had gone to her house. He seemed his usual self, stayed just a few minutes and she gave him some tobacco.

She told the hearing, at Burnley magistrates court, she had been to her friend's and had been in about 10 minutes, when she heard banging.

She thought two men were having a fight, but then heard a lot of cars and thought something was going on. She went to her bedroom window and could see a lot of police cars and officers.

Mrs Fletcher said she saw them 'taping round' and it came to her mind she must go and see if Gary was all right. She saw a man named Joey Jones, who shouted her over and told her: "Your Gary is dead."

Det Inspector Steven Brunskill said Mr Fletcher's body was later formally identified by his sister at Burnley General Hospital.

He confirmed three people had been arrested and questioned and one of them, Mr Rhodes, had been charged with the murder of Mr Fletcher and remanded in custody.