MICHAEL BROOK INQUEST: Sorrow as hearing adjourned

Relatives of the 19-year-old, whose body was found in the River Ribble in February, were told a full day hearing was needed to make sure the circumstances of his death were fully investigated.

James Newman, area coroner for Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, apologised to the teenager’s family and witnesses who had attended at Preston Coroner’s Court for the hearing, but explained it was a legal requirement that the proceedings were digitally recorded.

He added: “The last thing I want to happen is for the proceedings to be rushed and the wrong conclusion to be reached.”

The hearing will now take place on a date to be arranged.

The former Moorbrook School pupil, who was described as a witty, affectionate and well-liked young man, left his flat in Lawson Street, Preston, at about 1.05am on Sunday, January 14.

His friend said the pair made their way to Avenham Park and then into Miller Park, but he then lost sight of Michael.

A massive hunt of the parks and nearby waters was carried out.

Members of Michael’s family and friends were still out looking for him when tragically his body was found close to Maritime Way at Preston Docks on February 6.

Afterwards, kind hearted locals raised money to help pay for his funeral costs, donating more than £1,500 to the fund to help the Brooks family to lay Michael to rest.