Tributes have flooded in for a dad "missed by so many people".
Barry Joseph Murphy suffered "catastrophic injuries" on Marcham Way, Norris Green, on Thursday, May 27 last year. An inquest into the 46-year-old's death was held on Wednesday, May 4 at Gerard Majella Courthouse in Liverpool.
The court was told on the day he died Mr Murphy was at his home on Marcham Way. Senior coroner André Rebello said: "He'd been in his front garden, he'd had a drink."
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From the alcohol level found in Mr Murphy's blood from a toxicology report, Mr Rebello said "we know he wasn't particularly drunk." Whilst Mr Murphy was in the garden that day, Mr Rebello said a man rode past on a moped.
The moped rider turned around to speak to Mr Murphy and the 46-year-old asked to have a go on the moped, the court was told. Mr Murphy, who was riding the bike by himself at the time, lost control and crashed with a front garden wall.
He was taken to Aintree Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Since the ECHO previously published the article on Mr Murphy's inquest tributes have poured in for the dad and condolences to his family.
Writing on the ECHO's Facebook page, Chantel Azeez said: "Barry was the most genuine person ever, he lived by my nan and used to clean her windows, go the shop for her, do her bins and gardens all throughout covid. He really looked after her and we’ll be forever grateful. Nan still talks about him all the time."
Rita Parle added: "RIP Barry. Our friend and neighbour. You’re missed every day. Wish you and Nicola were still here." Jamie Dannunzio also said: "Missed by so many people."
Anthony Murphy said: "RIP Barry one of life's true gentlemen YNWA." Ann Marie Parle added: "Amazing friend and neighbour, still missed very much. Sleep tight Baz."
Mr Rebello told the court: "The male turned around and had gone back to speak to Barry and for whatever reason, Barry asked to have a go on the moped." Mr Murphy's partner Nicola, who was present in court, confirmed to Mr Rebello he didn't have any experience of driving a moped.
Mr Rebello continued: "He got onto the bike and he was on the bike by himself, he lost control and collided with a front garden wall and he parted company with the moped." Nicola said she saw her partner get onto the moped through the window but she didn't see him crash into the wall, and by the time she got to the front door he was already on the floor.
Mr Rebello said: "All your worlds have just changed in that split second." The court heard the 46-year-old, who was a joiner by trade, was not wearing a helmet when he got onto the moped.
Merseyside Police were called to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Murphy's death and how he came to be injured in the street. Senior Investigating Officer Amy Murray said all evidence pointed to him being the "sole occupant of the vehicle at the time".
Mr Rebello said from a "public protection point of view" Mr Murphy "hadn't gone very far" on the moped and had suffered "catastrophic injuries including head injuries." He added the collision shows the importance of wearing a helmet.
Mr Rebello said: "I did consider recording this as a road traffic collision because he collided with the pavement or road surface or garden wall, but for all intents and purposes this was a horrendous accident and I'm going to find an accidental death and multiple injuries."
Mr Rebello said Mr Murphy made a "big mistake" that day but added "we all make mistakes everyday, everyone; it is fortunate most are not fatal." He encouraged the family to continue to celebrate his life and the memories they shared with him.
Following the incident, Mr Murphy's son, John Unsworth, wrote on Facebook at the time: "I’m going to miss him for the rest of my life. I love you dad. Really wish I could have just given you another big man hug."
John also posted on the ECHO website saying: "My dad had no trouble with anyone around the area as he was the type of person to want to be friends with everyone that he met."
