Date set for eight-day jury inquest into death of dad, 40, found in street after absconding from hospital

A date has been set for the inquest into the death of a Blackpool father of four found dead in a street in the resort after absconding from hospital.

A jury will be summoned for the hearing at Blackpool Town Hall into the death of Thomas Boocock, 40, of Norbreck Road.

Eight days have been allocated for the inquest, from January 25 until February 4, it was confirmed by Blackpool and Fylde assistant coroner Louise Rae at a pre-inquest review.

At a previous pre-inquest review into the case, it was outlined that Mr Boocock had a history of mental health problems and was detained under the Mental Health Act in September by police after threatening to take his own life.

He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where he absconded and fled, with his body found on the driveway of a property in Park Road in the resort some hours later.

Witnesses to be called to given evidence at the inquest will include representatives of the police, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Trust, which is responsible for mental health services in the resort and the local Safeguarding Adults Board, as well as the Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Blackpool Council and Mr Boocock’s family.

A further pre-inquest review of the case has been scheduled for December 11.