Man Appears in Court Over Unlawful Killing of 8-Year-Old Boy in Cumbria
A man has made a court appearance charged with the unlawful killing of an eight-year-old boy in Cumbria, following a tragic incident involving a firearm discharge in September 2024.
Details of the Incident
Jay Cartmell, from Frizington, was seriously injured after a firearm was discharged on land near Warcop, Cumbria. An air ambulance transported him to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, but he was declared dead later that same day.
Court Proceedings
Allan Thursby, 64, of Dent Place, Cleator Moor, appeared at Carlisle Magistrates' Court on Thursday, charged with gross negligence manslaughter. Thursby entered no plea and was granted bail by district judge Philip Holden, with conditions that he does not approach or contact Jay's parents. The case is scheduled to proceed to Carlisle Crown Court next month.
Family Statement
In a statement issued through Cumbria Police, Jay's parents, Leigha and James Cartmell, expressed their heartbreak over the loss of their son. They described Jay as a loving, kind, and mischievous child who enjoyed activities such as fishing and rabbiting with his father. He also helped care for the family pets, including four lurchers, five ferrets, and his bearded dragon named Spike.
The community and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this devastating event, as the legal process moves forward to address the charges in the coming weeks.
