Murder suspect still on bail 10 months after arrest
Plus: Search for missing man in Malaysia, firms shamed over minimum wage failure and woes for business facing fraud probe
Hello and welcome to the midweek edition of The Southport Lead.
Today we report on the prolonged investigation into the murder of a man shot dead while working on his farm; the ongoing collapse of a Southport business at the centre of a major fraud investigation, and the two firms which have been named and shamed by the government for failing to pay the minimum wage.
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Murder suspect on bail 10 months after farmer shot dead
By Jamie Lopez
A man accused of murder remains on bail more than 10 months after a farmer was shot dead.
Thomas Olverson was shot while riding a tractor on Marsh Hey Farm in Scarisbrick last July. The 75-year-old suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene at around 5pm on July 25.
On the same day, a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken for questioning. He was initially released on bail with a six month limit but that was extended and nearly a year on, has yet to be charged or released.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police confirmed that the bail has extended to June 27, 2025.
Speaking to The Southport Lead, one Scarisbrick resident expressed concern over the lack of progress in the investigation. They said: “It’s been nearly a year and a lot of people want to know what’s going on. How are we supposed to feel safe?”
Police said at the time that the two men were known to each other and that no-one else was being sought in connection. It is understood that this hasn’t changed and there are no plans to issue further appeals.
Det. Ch. Insp. Andy Fallows, of Lancashire Police's force major investigation team previously said: “A man has very sadly lost his life as a result of this, and we have a dedicated team of officers working to establish what led to his death.
“We know that this news may sound concerning to the Scarisbrick community, but we want to reassure everyone that it is being treated as an isolated incident.”
More companies collapse as police investigation continues
More businesses linked to the embattled Seventy Ninth Group have been placed into administration.
Last month, we reported that eight businesses linked to the Southport-headquartered company had been taken over by administrators amid a police investigation into its operations.
Officers from the City of London Police are investigating what it describes as a “suspected widespread fraud case” involving the firm. Properties were raided earlier this year, leading to four people being arrested and cash, luxury watches and jewellery being seized.
The company, which is based at Southport Business Park, issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and since then its website and social media channels have been taken down.
After the initial tranche of businesses entered administration, a further five have since followed suit. They are:
DJC Leisure Limited
Highlands Hideaway Ltd
The 79th Grp 3 Ltd
Seventy Ninth Client Ltd
79th Grp Client Ltd
A police spokesperson confirmed that all those arrested remain released on bail.
Recommended reading
🚨 The disappearance of backpacker Jordan Johnson-Doyle in Malaysia has sparked grave concern among his family and now has the intervention of MP Patrick Hurley. The Liverpool Echo have spoken with Jordan’s desperately concerned mum and reported on how Merseyside Police is assisting with the search.
🏳️🌈 Over on Stand Up For Southport, Andrew has all the details for this year’s Sefton Pride celebrations. The main parade has moved to Bootle but there are several fringe events taking place in Southport.
Businesses named and shamed for underpaying staff by thousands of pounds
Two Southport businesses are included on a name and shame list of companies which failed to pay the minimum wage.
A takeaway and a waste collection firm were among hundreds across the country who were highlighted in findings from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
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