The son of boxing legend Ricky Hatton has told an inquest that he believes his father's death 'wasn't premeditated', as the former world champion had been making positive plans for the future. Campbell Hatton gave evidence at South Manchester Coroner's Court in Stockport on Thursday, March 20, where an inquest into the 46-year-old's death is being held.
A preliminary cause of death by hanging was provided at a pre-inquest hearing. Senior South Manchester Coroner Alison Mutch expressed her condolences to the family, saying: 'I'm very sorry to meet in these very sad circumstances.' In a statement read to the court, Campbell described his father as 'fearless' but acknowledged his mental health struggles, adding that he 'lived his life in and out of the ring at 100%'.
Campbell revealed that Hatton had experienced a decline in short-term memory in recent years, forgetting conversations including one on the Friday evening before his death. He noted that his father had planned trips to Dubai and Thailand and was excited about them. 'We felt he had been in the best place he had been in for years,' Campbell said.
The inquest heard that Hatton was found dead by his manager and close friend in the games room of his home in Hyde. Hatton's mother, Carol, said in a statement that her son's 'eyes were sad' and 'the last hug he gave me almost broke my ribs' when she saw him two days before he died. His former partner, Jennifer Dooley, said the family has been left 'heartbroken' and there is a 'significant hole in their lives'. Hatton had been open about his battles with mental health, drink and drugs following his retirement.
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