AN inquest was opened today into the death of a man in Annan last month.
And Cockermouth Coroners’ Court in Cumbria heard that 58-year-old Joseph Ernest Johnston died of stab wounds.
He was found dead inside his burnt out flat in Lady Street on November 19.
Although the inquiry into his death is being handled in Scotland, an inquest is taking place in Cumbria where Mr Johnston will be buried.
Acting senior coroner for the county, Kirsty Gomersal this week suspended the session pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
A 33-year-old man has been charged with murder and also faced an allegation of wilful fire raising. He entered no plea when he made an initial appearance before Dumfries Sheriff Court on November 21, and was remanded in custody on that occasion.
Full story in this week’s paper
