Death of dad who absconded after being sectioned to be examined by jury
Merseycare and a specialist transit company will be asked questions about TJay Waters' death at an inquest
Hello and welcome to the midweek edition of The Southport Lead.
Last year, the body of Southport man TJay Waters was found on the town’s beach. It was the tragic culmination of a search which had gone on for four months following the 34-year-old dad absconding while being moved between hospitals after being sectioned.
A pre-inquest review was held this week and, as a result of decisions made there, various people who dealt with TJay before he was last seen will have to explain how he was able to escape and then to remain undetected. Read on for the full story
Southport briefing
🚁 Aerial and land searches have been carried out as part of a search for a missing and vulnerable 60-year-old man. Stephen Molloy has not been seen since Thursday night and an extensive search has been ongoing involving helicopters and police officers combing through land around where he was last seen near Town Lane Kew. Merseyside Police has issued a new appeal in which it said it is believed he could still be nearby or may have travelled further afield to Crosby. The force is asking for anyone who has driven through the area, including taxi and delivery drivers, in the past few days to check their dashcams to see if they captured an image of Stephen or anyone matching his description. Detective Chief Inspector Dave Jones said: “Stephen’s family are becoming increasingly concerned about his welfare and want him to get in touch to let them know he is safe. We have carried out significant enquiries and searches to locate Stephen or establish his whereabouts [...] We don’t believe he has any money, so if you have offered Stephen a lift or have helped him in any way then please let us know [...] Stephen is vulnerable and struggles to communicate. It’s possible that he’s taken shelter because he feels safe in dark places. I’d therefore ask anyone who has an outhouse or any form of shelter in a front or rear garden that could be accessible to please check. If you live on or near farmland it could also be possible that’s he’s sought shelter within your grounds. We will act on any information provided so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you see him or you think you may have any information that could assist our ongoing enquiries.” Stephen is described as around 6ft tall, of slim build and dark brown hair. When last seen, he was wearing a black jumper, blue jeans and carrying a bright yellow bag but it is not believed he still has the bag with him. Anyone who sees Stephen is asked to call 999.
🔥 A man who started three fires on Southport Pier in December and January has avoided a custodial sentence. Gerrard Doherty admitted three counts of arson after repeatedly setting fire to the pier’s decking and has been given an 18-month community behaviour order (CBO) and must also complete 80 hours of unpaid work and 25 days of rehabilitation activities. As part of the CBO, Doherty is banned from entering Southport Pier, being in possession of any articles in a public place that may be used to start a fire, or lighting any fires in a public place. Breaching the order can lead to arrest, imprisonment and an unlimited fine. Chief Superintendent Karl Baldwin chairs the partnership, and said: “The sheer recklessness of starting fires means that such an order needs to be in place as a deterrent to Doherty. The consequences of his actions could have been devastating, like any arson carried out in our communities. CBOs and other preventative orders need multi-agency working to be achieved, and are powerful tools in dealing with antisocial behaviour.”
🔥 Comedian and singer Jason Manford has been announced as the host of Bebe’s Hive’s inaugural fundraising ball. Taking place at Victoria Park on November 7th, Bebe’s Ozdust Ball is inspired by the world of Wicked and The Wizard of Oz - two productions especially loved by Bebe - and will bring together leading West End performers, live entertainment, fundraising and community support in aid of Bebe’s Hive CIC. The event has already generated overwhelming support, selling out in just four minutes following its initial release. Due to continued demand, a limited additional ticket release may become available in July. Lauren King, Bebe’s mother and Managing Director of Bebe’s Hive, said: “Jason has always been a huge favourite within our family, and in May 2024 Bebe was lucky enough to meet him before attending The Wizard of Oz theatre production, where Jason starred as the Cowardly Lion. He was incredibly kind to her, taking time for photos and making her feel truly special - a memory our family will always hold close. We are incredibly honoured that Jason is supporting Bebe’s Hive and helping us bring this evening to life. His warmth, humour and connection to musical theatre make him the perfect person to host such a meaningful and joyful night in Bebe’s memory.” All proceeds from the evening will support the development of Bebe’s Hive and its mission to create a safe place where little hearts can heal, create and find hope after the loss of a loved one.
Death of dad who absconded after being sectioned to be examined by jury
By Jamie Lopez
A jury will hear the inquest of a dad who died after absconding while being transported between hospitals.
TJay Waters was being moved between two locations after being detained under the Mental Health Act in March when he was able to get free. A sighting of him at Cash Convertors in Southport town centre on March 5 last year was confirmed but he was then not seen until his body was discovered four months later.
A pre-inquest review today heard that despite a post-mortem investigation being carried out, it has not been possible to determine how or when he died. A full inquest will be held in October which will examine the circumstances of when he was last seen and the care he received.
Appeals to help find TJay were shared last year as his mum Sandra desperately searched to find him. Originally from Burnley, the 36-year-old lived in Southport and was known to travel to Lancashire and Sandra’s search efforts included travelling to Manchester, Preston Blackpool and Bolton to try to locate him.
It was not until July 13 that TJay’s body was found off Southport beach. The news was only confirmed by Merseyside Police in September once identification was complete.
Among the issues to be addressed at the pre-inquest review on Tuesday, was whether the circumstances of TJay’s death involved a breach of his right to life under Article 2 of the European Court of Human Rights. If it had, the inquest would take a wider scope and examine not just how, when and where TJay died, but also the broader circumstances of his death including any potential failings by state authorities.
Elizabeth Wheeler, assistant coroner for Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens, explained this could only happen if it was arguable that the authority had a duty to protect his life, had breached this duty, and that the breach caused the death.
Although TJay had been sectioned and was therefore under the state’s responsibility, Ms Wheeler concluded that as the cause of death remains unknown, the final element of the three requirements cannot be proven.
