An inquest at Downpatrick Courthouse on February 27, 2026, heard that Andrew Murphy, 47, from Merseyside, died soon after his last CCTV sighting on March 29, 2025. Mr Murphy was captured on camera at a shop in England wearing a green raincoat, blue dressing gown, jeans, trainers, and carrying a blue backpack. His body was discovered by a dog walker on Millisle Beach, Co Down, on May 21, 2025.

Mr Murphy had left his flat that morning to buy alcohol, milk, and a fizzy drink at an Aldi store using his partner Sarah Hassall's bank card. Ms Hassall reported concern when he did not return after an hour. During a phone call, Mr Murphy stated he had run into people and needed to pay them money, adding he could not pay when urged to return home. Subsequent calls did not connect.

The body, identified via fingerprints, phone, backpack containing purchased items, and Ms Hassall's bank card, showed advanced decomposition. One leg was later found on the Scottish coast. Forensic pathologist Dr Hugo Haller-Shannon reported no definitive cause of death, severe coronary artery narrowing potentially leading to a heart attack, missing front teeth, and a fractured nose. Toxicology detected traces of cannabis; alcohol consumption could not be ruled out. No pathological signs of drowning were evident, and third-party involvement could neither be confirmed nor excluded.

Ms Hassall and Mr Murphy's sister Karen Amirlatifi expressed beliefs of assault linked to his phone comments and prior bullying. Dr Haller-Shannon noted facial injuries could result from an altercation or sea travel. PSNI Detective Constable Walker confirmed the discovery details and identification process with Merseyside Police.

Coroner Joe McCrisken determined Mr Murphy entered the River Mersey, with his body reaching Millisle Beach. He recorded the cause of death as unascertained, unable to exclude third-party involvement, heart attack, or accident. Findings will be forwarded to Merseyside authorities given family concerns.