Police Officer Regrets Actions Before Tragic Dad’s Death at Metrolink Stop

Salford: A police officer involved in the case of a man who died after being left at a tram stop has shared her regrets. She told the family of Benjamin Connor that there are things she wishes she had done differently.

Benjamin was hit by a car on the M602 after a night out on December 27, 2021. This happened just hours after police dropped him off at Cornbrook Metrolink stop, thinking he was fine to be left alone.

He had been picked up by officers after an incident in Rusholme. During the inquest, it was revealed that he had gone back to a flat with someone he met that night.

His mother, Sharon Weir, who sadly passed away before the inquest, criticized the police for leaving her son at the tram station, saying he was not in a fit state to be alone. She pointed out that he had no money or phone during Christmas.

The inquest heard from officers who transported him. They believed he was arrested for a minor issue and thought it was okay to drop him off at the tram stop. One officer mentioned that it was common practice to take people to transport hubs if they had no home address.

However, they admitted they didn’t check if he had a way to get home. They also didn’t confirm if the trams were still running. The officer in charge acknowledged that she should have done more to ensure his safety.

Tragically, Benjamin was struck by a car later that night and died in the hospital. The inquest is set to continue next week, as the family seeks answers about the events leading to his death.