Man charged with murder of Tameside mum Michelle Hodgkinson

A man has been charged with the murder of a mum from Tameside. Michelle Hodgkinson, who was 51, was found with suspected stab injuries on Edge Lane in Droylsden, Tameside, on Friday, June 2, 2003.

She was sadly declared dead at the scene, despite the best efforts of emergency services. An inquest opening later that month held at South Manchester Coroner's Court in Stockport heard Ms Hodgkinson, who was born in Manchester, lived on St Andrew's Avenue in Droylsden. She was a retail assistant and was single.

A coroner said a post-mortem examination had concluded she died as a result of 'multiple sharp force injuries.'

READ MORE: As a harrowing video was shared among neighbours, they simply said: 'Jesus Christ'

In a statement today - Tuesday - Greater Manchester Police said Paul Hughes, 29, has been charged with a single count of murder and was due in court in June. No address was given for him by GMP.

A force spokesperson said in the statement: "He has been remanded in a secure mental health hospital where he remains under treatment. He will next appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates court on Thursday 6 June 2024."

Detective Inspector Danny Lee, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "We understand this tragedy may have increased community concerns in relation to knife crime, but we would like to stress this is a very rare type of incident. However, at the heart of this incident a loved one has been torn away and our thoughts remain with Michelle's family, whom we continue to support with specialist officers."

Ms Hodgkinson's heartbroken family previously paid tribute to her, saying in a statement released via police : “Everyone who knows Michelle is in utter shock at the attack she endured and how horrific her last