THE drummer of the Lancashire Hotpots killed himself after becoming depressed over serious police allegations he was facing, an inquest heard.

Tom McGrath, 39, who was known as Willie Eckerslike in the four-strong St Helens-based comedy folk band, was discovered hanged at his home in Gertrude Street, Nutgrove on May 11 last year.

The inquest into his death at Whiston Hospital was told how the St Helens College music technology lecturer had suffered from depression after being the subject of a police investigation.

He was on police bail after being arrested and enquiries were ongoing when he was found dead.

A written police statement from Detective Constable Steve Kellett was sent to the Coroner Christopher Sumner, confirming Mr McGrath was being investigated.

No details about the case were disclosed at the hearing, however, in the wake of Mr McGrath’s death last year Merseyside Police confirmed to the Star he had been questioned that April on suspicion of inciting children to commit sexual activities.

The Star understands this related to allegations that a man had posed as a teenage boy on Facebook and began entering online discussions with young girls.

Coroners officers explained how Mr McGrath’s girlfriend had noted him seeming down leading up to his death.

During the course of May 11, she became increasingly concerned for his safety after being unable to contact him numerous times.

She headed to his house with a relative and discovered Mr McGrath hanging inside. There were no suspicious circumstances and no notes were found at the scene.

Recording a verdict of suicide, Mr Sumner said: “I accept the cause of death was a hanging and record a verdict that he killed himself.”

Last year St Helens College confirmed Mr McGrath had been suspended following his arrest.

  • He had been part of the successful band whose quirky tunes – containing plenty of homespun lyrics – had earned a big national following.

His death came in the month the group was releasing their fourth album, titled Criminal Record, in which they mused about crimes committed by and to people in the 21st Century.

Following his death the band added two new members to become a five-piece. They are touring some leading regional venues this year.