Coroner: Train death an accident

Apr 26 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

A TRAINDRIVER described the moments before his Liverpool-bound train struck a man at a level crossing in Wirral.

John Kelly was driving the train from West Kirby when it struck general labourer Clive Hanlon at the Melrose crossing in Hoylake.

He contacted the control room who advised him to remain where he was and arranged for the electric third rail to be isolated, and police arrived at the scene 10 minutes later.

A note found on Mr Hanlon’s body said “Fitzy, I have done nothing wrong. Who is spreading rumours? I don’t lie”.

However, police spoke to a Mr Fitzgerald, to whom it was thought the note was addressed, but the coroner’s court was told he had no idea what it referred to.

The inquest was also told Mr Hanlon suffered from paranoia and had previously taken overdoses.

However, a statement from long-time friend John Scott said he met with Mr Hanlon some 20 minutes before his death and they had arranged to meet in a pub later that evening.

Mr Scott said “I do not believe for a second he would have taken his own life.”

Coroner Christopher Johnson recorded a verdict of accidental death.