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A full inquest into the death of a teenage motorbike enthusiast will go ahead after being paused to consider criminal charges. Joshua Luke Sharpe, from Rishton, died on June 22, 2024 at the Astley Raceway MX in Tyldesley. The first pre-inquest review was held on October 15, under Timothy Brennand – who suspended it so that a prosecution could be considered.
Coroner Michael Pemberton, who is now overseeing the inquest, said: "I'm sorry that we meet in these circumstances. "Mr Brennand determined he would suspend investigations into Josh's death because at that time it was considered that there may be a prosecution." However, this was not the case – and GMP asked to be removed from the interested persons list, meaning they will no longer be represented at the inquest.
An inquest into the death of Josh Sharpe will be held this summer Mr Pemberton said that since the death was a "notifiable accident", a jury would usually be mandatory. However, since the inquest had been previously suspended, it was now down to him as to whether a jury would be needed. Mr Pemberton said that he didn't think a jury would be necessary and said it would take more time.
He said: "The circumstances seem to be quite focused, and we can explore that." He asked the family, who took some time to consider the option, but eventually decided that a jury wouldn't be necessary. Wigan Council was represented at the hearing by environmental health officer Fran Lindley and public protection manager Angela Gee.
Paul Smith, the owner of Leisure Lakes Limited, was also there as an interested person in the case. Josh's family said he touched more hearts than many do in a lifetime Mr Pemberton thanked everyone for attending, and set the date for the full inquest to begin on July 3. He said: "For now, I would reiterate my condolences to each and everybody – I am sorry we have to meet in these circumstances.
"For now, you are in my thoughts and I wish you well." The full inquest is set to start on July 3 at 10am. Have a story? Get in touch at eoin.
[email protected] After Josh's death, his family released a tribute to the teenager.
They said: "Josh was very sporty and excelled naturally in football. He played for Rishton United Football Club Juniors and Hyndburn Youths. "Josh’s love for motorbikes developed at a very young age and he often rode them with his dad on weekends.
"Although he has always loved motorbikes, it wasn’t until he was financially independent that he was able to enjoy this hobby more frequently with his friends. READ MORE: Bus tried to overtake 11-year-old cyclist before fatal crash READ MORE: Bolton woman died of sepsis, aged only 42 READ MORE: Farnworth man with 'heart of gold' died after motorway bridge incident "What stood out most about Josh was his kindness. "He had an ability to sense when someone needed a friend, a kind word, or a gentle smile.
He was always the first to offer help, never asking for anything in return. "His empathy and generosity were beyond his years, qualities that made him beloved by everyone who knew him. In his short life, he touched more hearts than many do in a lifetime.
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