Pre-inquest review into the death of Ashley Walsh, aged 34

Ashley was attacked and killed aged 34 by Gerard McGlacken and his nephew Aaron Evitt, on 7 January 2022 in Manchester.

He was hit over the head with a hammer and then hit on the head and stabbed in the chest repeatedly while inside McGlacken’s flat in Collyhurst.

The remains of Ashley’s body were found in bushes in Sandhills Park dismembered in four suitcases, more than a week after he was last seen.

McGlacken and Evitt were jailed for life in July 2022 with a minimum term of 28 years at Manchester Crown Court.

At the pre-inquest review, HM Area Coroner Zak Golombek will hear submissions on whether Article 2 is engaged and if the inquest should be held before a jury.

McGlacken and Evitt were both under supervision of the Greater Manchester region of the probation service at the time of Ashley’s death, having both recently been released from prison after being sentenced as co-defendants to an attempted burglary.

McGlacken was also known to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) after he attempted to import an illegal knife following his release from prison, which was investigated by GMP in the month prior to Ashley’s death.

Ashley’s family are represented by Leigh Day partner Benjamin Burrows with Ellie Sutherland.

Ashley’s family said:

“We are devastated by Ashley’s death, which has left a permanent hole in our lives. No family should have to endure the pain we’ve been through, and we are determined to get answers about how this was allowed to happen. We hope the inquest will provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding Ashley’s death, particularly how those responsible were free to commit such a horrific act.”

Benjamin Burrows said:

“This pre-inquest review is an important step in determining what lessons can be learned from this tragedy. The family remains deeply concerned about the supervision of Gerard McGlacken and Aaron Evitt at the time of Ashley’s death. The inquest must fully explore whether opportunities were missed to prevent this unimaginable crime.”