A MAN whose body was found after he was reported missing was identified by his fingerprints, an inquest heard yesterday (Monday).

Police launched an appeal to find 65-year-old Stephen Kershaw after he was reported missing on September 13.

At the time, West Yorkshire Police said there were increasing concerns about his welfare. The investigation took a tragic turn following the discovery of a body on Shetcliffe Lane in East Bierley, where Mr Kershaw lived.

On September 22, it was confirmed Ian Mitchell, 34, and Sarah Pearson, 22, both of Shetcliffe Lane, had been charged with murder and fraud.

An inquest into Mr Kershaw’s death was opened by senior coroner Martin Fleming at Bradford Coroners’ Court.

The brief hearing was told Mr Kershaw was a single gentleman, with his daughter being his next of kin.

The court heard he was reported missing to police by concerned family members.

Police issued an appeal to trace Mr Kershaw and in a search of a property on Shetcliffe Lane, Mr Kershaw’s body was discovered in a bedroom alcove. He was identified by way of his fingerprints.

There was a large police presence on the street following the sad development.

One person on the street said at one time, he counted 22 forensic officers going into the address.

On Tuesday, September 20, another resident said: “There’s been a police car here, every night since Friday.”

Councillor Matt Edwards (Green, Tong) described it as a “difficult time” for those who knew Mr Kershaw and said “I know people will be very concerned to see such a significant presence outside their homes on one of the main roads for the area.”

Mitchell and Pearson made their first appearance before Bradford Crown Court on September 27.

The allegations were not put to them at the hearing before Judge Andrew Hatton.

He adjourned the case until October 21 for a full plea and trial preparation hearing.
Stephen Wood KC, Pearson’s counsel, asked that she be produced at court on that date.
Safter Salam, representing Mitchell, said his client was content to appear on a video link.

It was confirmed during the hearing that the first available trial slot was at Newcastle Crown Court on February 28 next year.

Judge Hatton explained that if the case was tried at Bradford it could not be heard before August or September next year which would be outside the defendants’ custody time limits.

Judge Hatton remanded the defendants back into custody.

The inquest was suspended pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.