Allan Thursby, 64, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of eight-year-old Jay Cartmell. Jay Cartmell was fatally shot on September 28, 2024, at a farm in Warcop, Cumbria, suffering serious head injuries from a firearm discharge. An inquest ruled that Jay Cartmell died from a suspected shotgun injury during a rabbit shooting expedition. The Crown Prosecution Service said that Jay Cartmell suffered serious head injuries involving the discharge of a firearm by Allan Thursby.
Jay Cartmell was rushed to hospital via air ambulance but died later that day.
Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.
Cumbria Police said that Allan Thursby was arrested on September 28, 2024, has been on police bail since, and was charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
Allan Thursby appeared in court over the death of Jay Cartmell, according to multiple reports. The court heard that due to the seriousness of the offence, the case could only be dealt with by Carlisle Crown Court.
We have worked closely with Cumbria Police as they have carried out their investigation into the circumstances of this death. Our thoughts are with the family of Jay Cartmell at this time.
Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service's Special Crime Division, commented on the evidence and public interest in the case and reminded of the defendant's right to a fair trial. According to McHaffie, prosecutors have worked to establish sufficient evidence and public interest for the case, and he emphasized the defendant's right to a fair trial.
Allan Thursby has been bailed.
We remind all concerned that proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.
At the time of his death, Jay Cartmell's parents paid tribute to their son, who was a speedway and football fan, according to multiple reports. Jay Cartmell's parents described him as a loving, kind, and full of mischief child.
Jay Cartmell loved being outdoors, was a speedway and football fan, and had dreams of moving to Brazil and meeting Lionel Messi.
The exact relationship between Allan Thursby and Jay Cartmell at the time of the incident remains unclear.
Further unknowns include what specific actions or omissions led to the charge of gross negligence manslaughter, and the current status of the investigation beyond the initial charges.
Additionally, what safety protocols or regulations were in place during the rabbit hunting expedition, and whether they were followed, remains unconfirmed.