Two public hearings are taking place at Bootle Town Hall in Merseyside today, February 24, 2026, to investigate the deaths of two men. Senior Coroner Anita Bhardwaj is presiding over the hearings to establish the official cause of death for both individuals.
The first hearing concerns Anthony Marsh, a 63-year-old man who died in St Helens on January 11, 2026. According to Walkers Funeral Service, the investigation began at 13:00 this afternoon to provide formal answers for the public record.
A second hearing is being held at 14:00 for 56-year-old Andrew Watkinson, who died on December 22, 2025. Records from Sefton Council show that Mr Watkinson, a resident of Earlestown, passed away just before Christmas last year.
Mr Watkinson was previously known in his community for legal disputes and a 2023 conviction involving a local council member. The coroner, who began her role overseeing the region in September 2025, will use these hearings to formally conclude the investigation into both deaths.
These sessions at the town hall are open to the public to ensure transparency in the legal system. The focus of the court is strictly on finding the facts of each case, including exactly when and how the deaths occurred.
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