Horrific details of Manchester dad’s death heard as he’s found on Moors after ‘ambush’

A dad from Moss Side found dead in the Yorkshire Moors[1] with parcel tape around his neck had been beaten to death in an 'unlawful killing', a coroner has concluded. Rhys Thompson, 29, was found on a private road off Pike End Road, Rishworth, near Sowerby Bridge, on the morning of Thursday, May 13, 2021. Greater Manchester Police[2] have previously made arrests in relation to the man's murder[3] but no-one has yet been charged. An inquest heard this week that Rhys had suffered nine separate blows to the head with a heavy and blunt object, YorkshireLive[4] reports.

He had also suffered two broken hands, a broken forearm and a broken left leg, as well as numerous bruises, lacerations and abrasions. Some of the injuries were thought to be 'defensive' wounds and may have been inflicted with an unknown weapon, while others could have been caused by kicking and punching while Rhys was laid on his back and trying to defend himself. The inquest, held in Bradford on Wednesday (January 29) was told that parcel tape had been found around Rhys' neck and wrists.

The assault on him was described as both prolonged and 'vicious'. When Rhys' body was found, his legs were found crossed at the ankles and his arms were above his head, with parcel tape around his neck and wrists. A length of tape was also found nearby.

There had been no attempt to hide the body, which was found near to Rishworth hunting lodge, just off the A672 Oldham[5] Road, not far from Booth Wood Reservoir.

Dr Michael Parsons, the Home Office pathologist who conducted the forensic post-mortem examination, said there was no suggestion that Rhys' neck had been 'compressed' by the parcel tape and the tape hadn't been used to strangle him. The tape may have been used as a restraint or, alternatively, to make it easier for Rhys to be carried to where his body had been found. Dr Parsons said this was 'speculation' on his part.

The pathologist concluded that Rhys, from Manchester, had died from head injuries. The inquest heard from Rhys' mum, who said her son, who had a nickname of Vypz, had been working as a courier driver at the time of his death. He had previously planned to go to Salford University[6] but had decided not to when he became a dad.

Rhys had appeared 'down' before his death as thought he had something on his mind, his mum told the inquest in a statement. "He was quiet. I don't know what was going on in his head," she said. She said Rhys had been a loving child who would be much missed.

She said: "I miss Rhys. He was just a pleasure to have around. He was a really loving child who I miss every day."

Rhys died after 'ambush'

Assistant coroner Peter Merchant spoke to Detective Inspector Emma Hulston, of Greater Manchester Police, who confirmed the homicide investigation into Rhys' death was ongoing.

He said the inquest hearing could proceed, even though the homicide inquiry was ongoing, and had followed discussions between himself and Det Insp Hulston. Mr Merchant said the inquest hearing should be reported upon 'sensitively' given the ongoing police investigation. The court was told that Rhys, and others, had been involved in an attempt to 'tax' or raid a cannabis grow in Manchester in the early hours of May 13, 2021.

But they had been 'ambushed' by a group of men on a second visit to the property following an initial reconnaissance trip.

Rhys had tried to drive off in a white Transit van but it had collided with a wall and he had been dragged out of the vehicle and taken away in another vehicle, the coroner said. There had been a 999 call indicating a 'fight' involving men with metal bars. It was thought that Rhys had been ambushed by men armed with metal bars and then taken away.

Mr Merchant concluded that Rhys' death was an unlawful killing and said it appeared he had been ambushed by a group of males who had removed him from the Transit van and taken him away. This was the last time he had been seen alive. The coroner said that, in his opinion, the attack had been 'vicious'.

"This is currently subject to an ongoing homicide investigation," he told the court. "I am satisfied Rhys sustained injuries as a result of a prolonged assault. "I sincerely hope that the ongoing investigation will indeed result in the capture and conviction of those responsible for Rhys' death. I now leave matters to Greater Manchester Police and hope their investigation results in convictions for Rhys' killers."

The family of Rhys has previously paid tribute to him, calling him a "sweet, funny, warm-hearted man, a fantastic brother, devoted father, loving boyfriend and respectful loyal friend."

References

1. ^ found dead in the Yorkshire Moors (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ Greater Manchester Police (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ made arrests in relation to the man's murder (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^ YorkshireLive (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
5. ^ Oldham (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
6. ^ Salford University (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)