A dad has paid a heartbreaking tribute to his son as his family continue to search for answers about the time leading up to his death. A coroner concluded that Luke Riley died after an accidental fall from a staircase in Manchester city centre in September last year, but by the time police went to investigate vital CCTV evidence, it had been overwritten.
The 20-year-old, from Stockport, was found dead on the morning of September 24 last year off Deansgate - between the Wren's estate agents and the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink railway bridge. A police investigation was launched but cops failed to check CCTV footage from the area within 30-days, meaning it had been overwritten by the council.
Therefore an inquest into Luke's death held last month couldn't rule out that Luke was pushed from the staircase, as there was no CCTV to show how he got there, and who could have been with him at the time. Senior Coroner Nigel Meadows concluded that opportunities to preserve evidence that may have given a clearer picture of how Luke died were 'not taken', leading him to write to the chief constable of GMP about these concerns.
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Since the hearing, Luke's dad, Duncan Riley, has said his family still have concerns with the police's investigation of his son's death. Luke is dearly missed by the family, Mr Riley said, with the inquest leaving as many question's as answers.
"Me and Luke's family recently attended the inquest hearing, which left more questions than answers," he said. "Luke, though no angel, was very loving and caring, and wanted to live each day like his last. Something we should all follow as circumstances can change in an instant.
"Luke was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 8, which was managed well until he moved into care when he was 15. Appointments were missed, his medication stopped. He then didn't get a re-referred till he was 20. His psychiatrist at the age of 14 stressed the importance of a smooth transition into adult mental health services, which never happened.
"By the time Luke was 20, he was begging to be put back on medication that he used for 7 years that helped him relax and improve his focus. By this time it was too late as Luke was using alcohol as a crutch. He didn't drink everyday, but when he did it was excessively, which he didn't see the dangers. Alcohol has had a very negative effect in my life, I rarely drink now.
"Alcohol is the biggest killer compared to other drugs. While Luke had alcohol in his system that night, his ADHD wasn't managed either. The coroner ruled an accident (he fell/pushed) down an emergency escape staircase.
"The police however, failed to check the CCTV until it had been overwritten. We have had no apology from the police, and will never know whether Luke was alone or not that evening. I miss that cheeky smile so much."
At the inquest hearing police coroners' officer Mark Littler said a PC had been tasked with finding and viewing CCTV footage, but that it was only on December 8 when the council was contacted. The town hall said footage is overwritten after 30 days if no request is made.
Superintendent Ian Jones, of GMP’s City of Manchester district, has since told the Manchester Evening News that 'learnings' from this case should be implemented accordingly. He said: "First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Mr Riley’s family. Losing a loved one is a heart-breaking experience.
"Whilst responding to incidents and emergencies, we strive to deliver outstanding service which cares for victims and their families. We welcome feedback from partners, such as the coroner. We are a learning organisation and, when concerns are raised, these are reflected on and any learnings implemented accordingly."
Mr Riley's cause of death was recorded as 'traumatic head injuries with skull fractures' by pathologist Dr Amani Brown. Toxicologist Dr Julie Evans said Mr Riley would have been nearly three times the drink-drive limit at the time of his death. Mr Meadows gave a conclusion at the inquest of accidental death.
