A 26-year-old woman died after falling down a flight of stairs at a Liverpool city centre bar during a night out with friends, an inquest has heard.
Georgia Harry suffered fatal head injuries when she fell at Lost Bar on Seel Street in the early hours of 17 March, Gerard Majella Courthouse was told. She died nearly four weeks later on 13 April 2025 after being kept on life support.
The inquest heard that Georgia had been socialising with friends throughout the day and evening before the tragic incident occurred at approximately 2.15am. A toxicology report revealed she had an alcohol level of 294mg per 100ml of blood – approximately three and a half times the drink-driving limit – and a “low level of ketamine” in her system.
Night Out Ends in Tragedy
Georgia met her friend Michael Pollard at Punch Tarmey’s in Liverpool around 3pm on 16 March before meeting other friends, the court heard. Mr Pollard encountered her again later that night at Lost Bar on Seel Street at approximately 2am on Monday, 17 March.
At about 2.15am, the pair separated from their group to visit the toilets, which were located on the basement floor of the building. As they descended the staircase with Georgia holding Mr Pollard’s arm, her legs “went from beneath her” and she struck her head on the concrete floor, the inquest was told.
Sean Moogan, who was leaving the toilets at the time and had not been drinking, witnessed the fall. In a statement to the court, he said: “I was in Lost on Seel Street seeing my friends. I wasn’t drinking at all this night. I had just been inside the toilets. As I have got to the stairwell, I have seen a male and female walking down the stairs.”
Witness Describes Fatal Fall
Mr Moogan recalled seeing Georgia’s legs give way and swing up to the same height as his head as she began to fall, approximately six steps from the bottom of the staircase. Mr Pollard immediately rushed to help the 26-year-old, shouting her name as the fall had rendered her unconscious.
Drawing on his experience as a former personal trainer with first aid training, Mr Moogan advised Mr Pollard to remain calm and not to move Georgia in case her injuries were worsened. Emergency services were called to the scene.
Paramedics transported Georgia to Aintree Hospital, where she underwent assessment and blood tests before being transferred to The Walton Centre, a specialist neurological hospital. Despite medical intervention, she died on 13 April 2025 after being kept on life support.
Safety Breach Identified
A subsequent inspection by Liverpool City Council found that the stairs at Lost Bar had no slip strips installed – a breach of safety regulations that was later addressed by the venue. Area Coroner Anita Bhardwaj was told it was “more than likely that she did slip” on the stairs.
Under UK building regulations, stairs in public buildings must meet specific safety standards to prevent accidents. The Building Regulations Approved Document K sets out requirements for the protection from falling, collision and impact, including provisions for slip-resistant surfaces on stairs in commercial premises.
The absence of slip strips on the staircase represented a failure to meet these safety requirements, potentially contributing to the tragic outcome.
Police Investigation Rules Out Foul Play
Merseyside Police launched an investigation to determine whether Georgia had been pushed down the stairs. Detective Inspector Dillon concluded this was not the case after reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements.
The court heard that CCTV showed a group of people, including Georgia, gathered around a table before she and Mr Pollard left to visit the toilet. Mr Pollard was seen taking something from his jumper before Georgia linked arms with him as they walked down the stairs.
Between two CCTV cameras, Georgia could be seen “falling at speed” down the stairs and striking her head. The police investigation found no evidence of third-party involvement in her fall.
Coroner’s Conclusion
In her conclusion, Area Coroner Anita Bhardwaj stated: “More likely than not that Georgia has died from the injuries sustained from the fall. From the evidence we have heard, there is nothing to suggest that it was nothing more than an accident.”
She added: “These are absolutely tragic circumstances surrounding her death.”
A post-mortem examination determined that Georgia’s death resulted from extensive brain injury caused by the fall. The combination of high alcohol levels and the presence of ketamine, though at low levels, would have affected her coordination and judgement.
Family Pays Tribute
Georgia’s devastated mother, Nicola Poulton, 44, led tributes to her daughter, describing her as a “strong fighter” who “fought until the end”. She said Georgia was “fun, outgoing and hardworking” and “always had a smile on her face”.
Georgia, who lived with her mother and two dachshunds, Mabel and Maggie, worked at Liverpool Passport Office in the city centre. Her family described her as their “beautiful miracle” in a moving obituary notice.
“Much loved daughter of Nicola and David. Georgia will be sadly missed by all who knew her,” the notice stated. It added: “To our darling daughter. We miss you the world our beautiful miracle. We love you the world and back.”
Venue Safety Standards
The incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining proper safety standards in licensed premises. UK building regulations require commercial properties to implement various safety measures on staircases, including:
- Slip-resistant surfaces or slip strips on stairs
- Adequate lighting
- Proper handrails at specified heights
- Consistent step dimensions to prevent trips
Lost Bar, located at 84-86 Seel Street in Liverpool’s Ropewalks district, is described as having a ground floor bar area and mezzanine level, with toilets located in the basement. The venue has a capacity of approximately 200-250 people across both floors.
Wider Implications
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption and the importance of venue safety compliance. Licensed premises have a duty of care to ensure their facilities meet safety standards and minimise risks to patrons.
Following the council’s inspection findings, the installation of slip strips on the stairs addressed the identified safety breach. However, the case underscores the need for regular safety audits and proactive maintenance of safety features in venues where alcohol is served.
For families and friends affected by such tragedies, support services are available through organisations including Brake, the road safety charity that also supports families bereaved through other preventable deaths, and local bereavement support services.
The inquest’s findings emphasise that while Georgia’s death was ultimately ruled accidental, the combination of factors including venue safety standards, alcohol consumption, and the inherent risks of navigating stairs in such conditions all played a role in this preventable tragedy.
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