A Coronial inquest into the bashing death of popular Cooks Hill grocer, Frank Newbery has begun in Newcastle today.
The 87-year-old was found on the floor of his Franks Ham and Beef Shop in Union Street on the afternoon of March 12 2007. He later died in died in hospital.
Newcastle Coroners Court heard from two witnesses this morning who provided descriptions of two men, who may have been the same person, seen inside and outside the shop on the afternoon of Mr Newbery's death.
However, it's likely his death will remain a mystery, with Deputy State Coroner Mark Buscombe ruling that no one has been identified as a suspect.
Police believe robbery was the motive behind the bashing, which shocked the community.
A suspect has never been identified despite a $100,000 reward being posted for information leading to a conviction.
