A young dad found dead in a remote area with parcel tape around his wrists and neck had been badly beaten in an ‘unlawful killing’, a probe has heard.
Rhys Thompson was discovered on a private road. He had been repeatedly struck on the head with a blunt heavy object and had a number of other injuries.
As well as having suffered nine separate blows to the head, he had a broken left leg, a broken forearm, and two broken hands, in addition to a number of bruises, lacerations and abrasions. His injuries were detailed at an inquest into his death which was held this week. The Mirror reports Rhys, from Moss Side, Manchester, was found in Rishworth, just outside Huddersfield.
The road is in the Yorkshire Moors, and he was found on the morning of May 13, 2021. Some of the 29-year-old’s injuries are believed to be ‘defensive’ wounds and could have been caused with an unknown weapon, while others may have been caused by kicking and punching as Rhys was laid on his back trying to defend himself.
Greater Manchester Police previously made arrests in relation to Rhys’ murder, but no-one has been charged as of yet. The inquest held in Bradford on Wednesday was also told how parcel tape had been found around the dad’s neck and wrists. The inquest also heard how he was subjected to a prolonged and ‘vicious’ assault.
When his body was found, Rhys’ legs were crossed at the ankles and his arms above his head, bound with parcel tape at the wrists. A length of tape was also found nearby, reports the Manchester Evening News. There had been no attempt to hide the body, which was found near Rishworth hunting lodge, close to the Booth Wood Reservoir.
Dr Michael Parsons, the Home Office pathologist who carried out the forensic post-mortem exam, said there was no suggestion Rhys’ neck had been ‘compressed’ by the parcel tape and the tape hadn’t been used to strangle him. The tape may have been used as a restraint or, alternatively, to make it easier for Rhys to be carried to where his body was found.
But Dr Parsons said this was ‘speculation’ on his part. The pathologist concluded that Rhys died from head injuries. The inquest also heard from Rhys’ mum, who said her son, who went by the nickname Vypz, had been working as a courier driver at the time of his death. He had previously planned to attend Salford University, but decided not to when he became a dad.
Rhys appeared ‘down’ before his death, as though he had something on his mind, his mum told the inquest in a statement. “He was quiet. I don’t know what was going on in his head,” she said. She added that Rhys had been a loving child who would be much missed. In her statement she said: “I miss Rhys. He was just a pleasure to have around. He was a really loving child who I miss every day.”
Assistant coroner Peter Merchant spoke to Detective Inspector Emma Hulston, of Greater Manchester Police. She confirmed the homicide investigation into Rhys’ death was ongoing. He said the inquest hearing could proceed, even though the homicide inquiry was ongoing, and had followed discussions between himself and Det Insp Hulston.
Mr Merchant said the inquest hearing should be reported ‘sensitively’ given the ongoing police investigation. The court was told that Rhys, and others, had been involved in an attempt to ‘tax’ or raid a cannabis grow in Manchester in the early hours of May 13, 2021. But they had been ‘ambushed’ by a group of men on a second visit to the property following an initial reconnaissance trip.
Rhys had tried to drive off in a white Transit van but it had collided with a wall. He was dragged out of the vehicle and taken away in another vehicle, the coroner said. There had been a 999 call indicating a ‘fight’ involving men with metal bars. It was thought that Rhys had been ambushed by men armed with metal bars and then taken away.
Mr Merchant concluded that Rhys’ death was an unlawful killing and said it appeared he had been ambushed by a group of males who had removed him from the Transit van and taken him away. This was the last time he had been seen alive. The coroner said that, in his opinion, the attack had been ‘vicious’.
“This is currently subject to an ongoing homicide investigation,” he told the court. “I am satisfied Rhys sustained injuries as a result of a prolonged assault. I sincerely hope that the ongoing investigation will indeed result in the capture and conviction of those responsible for Rhys’ death.
“I now leave matters to Greater Manchester Police and hope their investigation results in convictions for Rhys’ killers.” The family of Rhys previously paid tribute to him, calling him a “sweet, funny, warm-hearted man, a fantastic brother, devoted father, loving boyfriend and respectful loyal friend.”
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