AN alleged murder victim died from a brain haemorrhage associated with trauma, an inquest heard.

Colin Hughes, 40, died in Burnley General Hospital last Friday after an incident in Coal Clough Lane, Burnley.

The hearing was told how a pathologist's report contained details of various bruises consistent with assault on Mr Hughes' body.

Two post mortem examinations have already been held on Mr Hughes, a gas appliance assembler, of Beverley Street, Burnley, and there may yet be a third.

Three men have been charged with murder and defence solicitors for two of them may want a third post mortem examination by a different pathologist because of Mr Hughes' injuries before his body is released for cremation.

East Lancashire coroner David Smith said although he would not be happy about that, justice had to be done.

Mr Smith said defence solicitors were meeting that afternoon to discuss the matter but he didn't think there would be a third post mortem unless a good cause could be shown.

But, he told Mr Hughes' family: "Justice has got to be done. I know how you will feel about it but people have their rights and are entitled to have such investigations that are reasonable in circumstances." He said he hoped he would hear from the solicitors that no further examination was necessary and then he would be able to release Mr Hughes' body for his funeral. Mr Hughes' sister, Helen Sadler, of Olympia Street, Burnley, said her brother had been a fit, active and healthy man. She had attended Burnley General Hospital last Friday, but had been unable to see him. As far as she knew he was unconscious and died later that day.

Home Office pathologist Dr John Rutherford said the standard resuscitation techniques were used by paramedics and were continued by staff at Burnley General Hospital. He said Mr Hughes had suffered bleeding between the brain and a surrounding membrane.

He said his report contained details of various bruises on the body associated with assault. The inquest was adjourned.

Andrew James Redfern, 28, and Dean Andrew Ormonde, 21, both of Comrie Crescent, and Lee Anthony Brindle, 19, of Airdrie Crescent, all Burnley, were all remanded in custody and sent to Preston Crown Court by Burnley magistrates on Monday, accused of murdering Mr Hughes.

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