Teenager held over alleged harassment

A TEENAGER charged with harassing an elderly man with learning difficulties, who died following an alleged confrontation outside his home, was remanded in custody yesterday.

Kial Cottingham, 18, appeared briefly at Tameside Magistrates Court and spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Cottingham, of Sylvester Way, Hattersley, was remanded for three days so police could talk to him about other alleged offences.

David Askew collapsed and died in Melandra Crescent, Hattersley, on Wednesday evening.

Neighbours and police claimed Askew had been subjected to years of abuse by local yobs.

A post-mortem examination on Friday proved inconclusive.

It is alleged Cottingham harassed Askew in a series of incidents between 25 January and the night he died.