MURDER CHARGE Man charged with murder after ‘dognapping’ tragedy as it’s revealed Donald Patience lay dead for days before grim find

A MAN has been charged with the murder of a "much loved" dad who was found dead at home after an alleged dognapping.

Donald 'Prentice' Patience, 45, was found dead on Tuesday morning after cops were called to his Bury home in Manchester over reports a white labradoodle had been stolen.

Police launched a murder probe and today have said tragic Donald had been dead for "several days" before his body was discovered.

And Ian Connell, 39, has today been charged with murder.

The man, of Bolton, appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court today and he will again appear in court on Tuesday.

Two other men, aged 27 and 41, have been bailed while police continue to investigate the tragedy.

The victim's cause of death is still unknown.

Greater Manchester Police today confirmed they had been called to Donald's home on Ainsworth Road after reports of a burglary about 10.30am - having previously said a white labradoodle had been taken from the property.

Donald was known in the community for regularly walking his large white pet dog Layla.

The pet dog, which has since been found, is now being cared for by the relevant authority.

The neighbourhood is now in shock over the dogwalker's tragic death, with flowers lining the fence of his home.

One heartbreaking card reads: "Prentice, this should have never happened to you.

"Thinking of you and your family. Will miss you on our dog walks.

"Fly high mate, from Andy and family x."

This week the 45-year-old's family described him as "a much-loved son, brother and father and will be sorely missed by many, affectionately known as Prentice".

Donald's ex-wife Kirsty also paid tribute to him.

She wrote: "This breaks my heart to have to write this.

"As a lot of you may have already seen, this week we lost an extremely incredible man.

"Despite whatever happened between us, Prentice was an amazing father and adored his children.

"We are all truly heartbroken at this news and we are all struggling to come to terms with his death."

It was yesterday revealed that Donald had been robbed previously.

Police confirmed thieves stole several televisions, a child's bike and his brother's car in December.

The details of the break-in were disclosed in a note Donald sent to his neighbours in January.

The dad was a dog lover and shared photos of pooches all over social media.

In one post he shared a bath full of Labradoodle puppies - which are known to sell for £700 to £1,500.

Anyone with information about the incident or Donald is asked to contact GMP’s Major Incident Team on 0161 856 3635 or 101 quoting incident number 1139 of 22/08/2023 or via the independent charity - Crimestoppers - on 0800 555 111.