A dad died from a single stab wound to the heart just three days after Christmas, an inquest has heard.
Paul Hanson died on December 28, 2022, after he was knifed to death in his home in Little London Lane, West Cowick, which is in a quiet East Yorkshire village.
The 54-year-old was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary but passed away a short time later. His wife Teresa Hanson, 54, has been charged with his murder. She appeared before Hull Crown Court earlier this month and was granted bail.
Senior coroner Professor Paul Marks told family present at the inquest, which was opened and adjourned on Friday, that he could not release Mr Hanson’s body yet as the defence team had requested a second post-mortem.
That is due to take place on Monday after which Prof Marks said he hoped the body could be released so the family could make funeral arrangements, according to Hull Daily Mail.
Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Burnett gave evidence at the inquest and provided a summary of how the event played out, the post-mortem results and where the probe is at currently.
She said: “At 7.05pm on December 28 the ambulance service received a call from a female saying she needed an ambulance. Crews turned up and CPR was commenced. The casualty had a single stab wound to his chest.
“He was transported to Hull Royal Infirmary but he was pronounced deceased later that evening. The post-mortem concluded the cause of death was a stab wound to the heart.
“An investigation was launched and a number of inquiries carried out. That is still ongoing. There has been the recovery of digital devices, interviews with the suspect, other witnesses and house-to-house inquiries.”
Mrs Hanson, who marked her 54th birthday on New Year's Day and previously denied the murder charge, appeared in a secure dock at Hull Crown Court on January 3.
The couple had been married for over 30 years. Photos of them sitting around a table, accompanied by family thought to be grandchildren, enjoying a Christmas dinner that had apparently been cooked by Mrs Hanson, were shared.
A provisional trial date has been fixed for June 12, with a time estimate of about five days. Mrs Hanson was granted bail but was told she must live with her parents in Rawcliffe Bridge, near Goole.
She was forced to surrender her passport to the police and is on an electronically monitored curfew between 11pm and 6am.
Neighbours described Mr Hanson, a construction site boss, as a "doting dad and granddad" who would always stop for a chat. Other residents described them as a "lovely couple".
In adjourning the inquest, Prof Marks also indicated there may be no need to complete the inquest as the four questions a coroner needs to answer – namely who died, where when and how – would likely be addressed during the criminal trial.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
