Boy, 16, killed himself, inquest rules
AJURY has recorded a ‘ suicide’ verdict on a schoolboy. seven-day inquest into the death of BRGS pupil Thomas Gallagher, which concluded on Wednesday, had heard that staff shortages saw 15 delays placed on the police’s investigation of his parents’ missing person report.
However, the jury said that because they determined Thomas had died before the parents’ call had been made to police then ‘it could not be concluded that the admitted shortcomings caused or contributed to the deceased’s death.’
Thomas was discovered by a member of the public in Old Kays Park in Tottington, Bury, shortly after 8am on July 11 last year.
The 16-year-old had been reported missing to Greater Manchester Police by his worried family at 2.44am the same day. He was last seen leaving the family home at 7.45pm the night before after walking the dog.
The inquest earlier heard how delays were made in looking for the gifted schoolboy because of police staffing shortages despite concerns being raised with bosses several days earlier over a lack of staff.
Police should have had 15 staff on duty covering the Bury area with a minimum requirement of 10, however only seven officers were available due to three being on approved annual leave and two others on maternity leave.
Inspector Robert Findlow told the jury that ‘he was ‘assured’ efforts would be made to have sufficient staff on duty, however when he arrived on shift he was told there were ‘no more resources available’.
Thomas’ missing person call was given a ‘Grade 2 priority’, however Insp Findlow said it was an ‘exceptionally busy night’ and there were other Grade 1 incidents which required ‘immediate response’ because of an ‘immediate threat’.
In arriving at their conclusion, the jury said they gave consideration to Thomas’s mental health issues, alterations and frequency of appointments, the case not being switched to a police supervisor after 20 minutes of the call being made, a lack of contact with the family and a lack of justification for the delays.
The jury at Heywood Coroners Court recorded a conclusion of suicide.
Coroner Lisa Hashmi said there had been a ‘full and fearless enquiry’ into Thomas’ death.
She told the hearing: “This case has been extremely difficult for all those involved, but no more than the parents of this young man and of course his extended family who have been in court throughout.
“I do hope some of your questions have been answered. I appreciate you will never forget your cher- ished son and nephew and nor should you but I do hope with time your pain eases.”