A SLOVAKIAN man, who suffered fatal injuries at a house party in Bradford, died from a stab wound to the stomach, an inquest in the city heard yesterday.

Marek Benak, 23, suffered the injury during an incident at an address in Great Horton Road, in the early hours of Thursday, October 23.

The senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark McManus, told Assistant Coroner Dr Dominic Bell that a murder inquiry was started after police were called to the scene.

Det Chief Insp McManus told the inquest it was established that Mr Benak, who was of no fixed address, had died of a severe stab wound to the stomach area.

The detective said that following inquiries a suspect was arrested in connection with Mr Benak's death and was charged with murder.

He had appeared before magistrates and then the crown court and a trial date was fixed for next April.

The inquest heard Mr Benak was identified by his fingerprints.

Det Chief Insp McManus said a post-mortem examination had been carried out by Dr Dick Shepherd which concluded the cause of death was significant trauma from a stab wound to the abdomen.

He said he was satisfied that all forensic investigations had taken place and defence lawyers did not require a second post-mortem.

He added police were not seeking anybody else in connection with the death, and the family of Mr Benak wanted to repatriate his body to Slovakia.

Dr Bell said the circumstances required not only an inquest, but an ongoing police investigation and prosecution. He said he would adjourn the inquest until the conclusion of the police investigation, and would sign the certificate for the release of the body.

* Stanislav Misko, 47, of Carlisle Road, Manningham, Bradford, appeared before the Recorder of Bradford, Judge Roger Thomas QC, at Bradford Crown Court last week, accused of the murder of Mr Benak. He was remanded in custody and will next appear for a plea and case management hearing in January.