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Man guilty of killing pub singer

Frank Wood
5/ 4/2006

EXCLUSIVE

A MAN charged with killing the town's "Karaoke King" has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, just days before he was due to be tried for murder.

Simon Luke Hogan, aged 27, of Queen's Park Road, Heywood appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Monday and admitted unintentionally causing the death of 44-year-old John Curran, of Ayr Grove, Darnhill.

Hogan, who was wearing a light blue jumper in the dock, showed no emotion as he answered "guilty" to the charge.

Four members of Mr Curran's family, including his elderly widowed mother Madeline, were in court to hear Hogan's plea. Mr Curran, who also leaves two brothers and a sister, lived with his mother.

After the hearing Mrs Curran was too distressed to comment but said she would pay full tribute to her son after Hogan has been sentenced. That is scheduled for May 5 and Hogan was granted bail.

Judge Clement Goldstone warned him to expect a custodial sentence. He said: "A sentence of imprisonment is unavoidable. I am adjourning sentence for the twin issues of risk and danger to be assessed by a probation officer."

The cause of death was given as complications following a head injury from an assault by Hogan.

Mr Curran, a single man who was described by neighbours as "a man with a heart of gold", died in Royal Bolton Hospital last June, two days after police were called to The Highlander pub in Sutherland Road, Darnhill, to investigate an assault.

Mr Curran was taken from there to Fairfield Hospital where he appeared to be recovering. But he suddenly deteriorated and was transferred to Bolton.

His death sent a shockwave through the estate and Heywood's pub and club community, where he was well known as a karaoke singer.

Hundreds turned out for his funeral at Our Lady and St Paul's Church in July.

Music at the funeral included songs by Sinatra and Matt Monroe, which John often sang on his karaoke rounds at venues such as The Brunswick and United Services Club.