POLICE say they are still awaiting a court date for a man charged with the assault of Steven Dyson prior to his death.

Steven's body was found in the River Irwell in Summerseat in January, days after he went missing following a New Year's Eve party.

In June, an inquest found that the 22-year-old had drowned after he was last seen at 9am on New Year’s Day leaving the party in St Andrew’s Close, in Ramsbottom.

Police enquiries established that he had been assaulted prior to his death.

Daniel Conway, aged 22, of South Street, Bacup was charged with causing actual bodily harm and appeared before Manchester Magistrates Court in July, where he pleaded not guilty.

Mr Conway was released on unconditional bail, with a trial date initially for October.

However, police have said they are still awaiting notification of a court date.