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16
Oct 2024
Inquest hears Harrogate murder case victim died with hands tied
A man whose death in Harrogate triggered a murder investigation had his hands tied, an inquest heard today (October 16).
Paul Leslie Tillett, 56, died at his flat on Strawberry Dale on September 29.
North Yorkshire Police launched a murder investigation the following day and put the block of housing association flats on lockdown'.
Area coroner Catherine Cundy told the opening inquest in Northallerton that Mr Tillett's body was found by police with his hands tied behind his back.
Ms Cundy said the York-born man had suffered head trauma and gave his provisional cause of death as head and neck injuries.
She suspended the inquest while it is subject to a police investigation.
The scene at Strawberry Dale.
Jason Mark Johnson, 26, and Phillip John Watson, 34, appeared at York Magistrates Court charged with Mr Tillet’s murder on October 3.
Judge Andrew Stubbs adjourned the case for a trial, which will begin on March 27 next year.
The defendants have been remanded in custody and are due to attend a plea-and-trial preparation hearing on November 1.
Mr Tillett’s family paid tribute to him in a statement issued by police, which was released shortly after his death. It read:
Paul, you were a much-loved son, dad, brother and uncle, who will be truly missed and forever in our hearts. You will never be forgotten. Sleep tight, we love you.
His daughter also said separately:
My dad's life ended way too soon, he will be missed dearly by close friends and family.
He brought me up with so much love and respect and I'll always remember the great moments we shared. I'll forever miss him, and I hold him close to my heart, and be devastated on the things he'll miss throughout my life. I hope he is at peace.
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