Inquest into death of Keano Byrne who was found in water at country park to take place after court case dropped

An inquest into the death of a dad whose body was found at a Stockport beauty spot is due to take place later this year.

Keano Byrne, 26, was reported missing almost two weeks before he was found dead in water at Reddish Vale Country Park on April 7.

He had been reported missing on March 27 with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) issuing public appeals in which they said he was last seen in the early hours of March 26, leaving Northumberland Road in Brinnington and walking towards Reddish Vale with another man.

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Earlier this year, an inquest into his death was delayed after it was revealed that a man who is expected to be an important witness in the inquiry had been charged with robbery.

A pre-inquest review at South Manchester Coroner's Court today (Wednesday) heard that the criminal case against the man, whose name was given in court as Anthony Edge, had since been 'withdrawn'.

Mr Edge, who was with Keano on the night of his death, was accused of a robbery in a car park near to the entrance of Reddish Vale Country Park on March 26, the hearing was told.

Providing an update, Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson said the case against Mr Edge had gone to crown court but had encountered 'issues' relating to DNA evidence. A decision was then taken 'not to progress the case' prior to a trial commencing, she explained.

In response, Senior Coroner Alison Mutch said: "We had agreed we would not hold the inquest until we were clear what was going to come out in relation to the criminal trial. I think what you are saying is there is no real reason for us not to move to hold the inquest into Keano's death."

The court also heard that when interviewed by police