Trafford News
Post mortem shows missing Partington man Vinny Derrick's fatal injuries were consistent with a fall
11:24am Wednesday 22nd February 2012
A POST mortem carried out for missing Partington man Vinny Derrick has concluded that his fatal injuries were consistent with a fall.
It was discovered that Vinny suffered a number of broken bones and there was also a possibility he could have been involved in a road accident before he died.
Vinny’s skeleton remains were found among shrubbery by two Highways Agency workers who were clearing graffiti from underneath a flyover of the M60’s junction three, at Cheadle, last Wednesday (February 15).
The father-of-one, who was 28-years-old when he went missing, was identified based on dental records.
Vinny, dad to 10-year-old Lewis, went missing during a works night out in Manchester in the early hours of August 30, 2003.
The post mortem examination concluded that the cause of death remains unascertained.
The death is not being treated as suspicious, but detectives are keeping an open mind about the exact circumstances surrounding it.
Presently there are no plans for further tests on Vinny’s body.
Detective Chief Inspector Sara Wallwork, of Stockport CID, said: “This remains a difficult and complex inquiry and the result of the post mortem examination was never going to change that.
“The pathologist concluded that, while we cannot categorically confirm a cause of death, the injuries are consistent with a fall.
“There is also a possibility that he may have been involved in a collision with a vehicle.
“Vinny’s family have been informed of the result and we are continuing to provide them with support and will continue to update them.
“I am continuing to ask that anyone who has any information that could be of assistance to this investigation to please call us.”
As part of their investigation, police are reviewing records from the original search to see if anything was missed.
DCI Wallwork has not yet confirmed whether any of Vinny’s belongings or clothing were at the scene.
She did state there was no suggestion the bones had been buried.
Widow Vicki Derrick paid tribute to Vinny, of Orchard Avenue, in a press conference last week.
She said: “He was loved by so many people and we have so many memories we can treasure forever.
“As a family we have lived through every minute of the past eight years.
“I have always said and believed that what happened to Vinny happened on that night.
“It has now been confirmed eight years on and it is no easier to bear.”
Accompanied by her parents John and Dawn Kelsall, of Sale, she added: “We are devastated but the speculation can now end and Vinny can be laid to rest.
“He was loved by so many people and we have so many memories we can treasure.”
Vicki went to to describe Lewis, who was two-years-old when his father went missing, as a ‘tough cookie’.
She said: “He understands what happened now and has taken it extremely well. He was adamant he wanted to go to school today.”
Vinny was last seen at the end of a works night out in the Jabez Clegg nightclub in the university area of Manchester.
After he left the club at about 12.15am, it is believed he got into a taxi and was dropped off near Cheadle’s John Lewis, two miles from where the remains were found.
He failed to arrive at his boss’s house in Heald Green where he was due to spend the night.
Anyone with information is asked to call Stockport CID on 0161 856 9840, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.