A man has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly shooting an eight-year-old schoolboy during a suspected rabbit hunting expedition.
Jay Cartmell suffered serious injuries after the incident at a farm in Warcop, Cumbria, on September 28, 2024.
He was rushed to hospital via air ambulance but sadly he died later that day.
Allan Thursby, 64, of Cleator Moor in Cumbria has now been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
The Crown Prosecution Service said that Jay suffered ‘serious head injuries involving the discharge of a firearm by Mr Thursby.’
Thursby has been bailed and is set to appear at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on March 26.
An inquest into Jay’s death previously ruled that he died from a suspected shotgun injury ‘during a rabbit shooting expedition’ some 45 miles from his home.
Previously, Jay’s parents paid tribute to their ‘perfect little boy’ who was ‘loving, kind and full of mischief’.
Jay Cartmell is pictured with parents Leigha and James, who described their son as their ‘perfect little boy’ who was ‘loving, kind and full of mischief’
Jay, eight, suffered injuries to his head in an apparent rabbit hunting trip in September 2024
In a statement issued via Cumbria Police, Jay’s parents said: ‘We are heartbroken at the passing of our perfect little boy – Jay Cartmell, eight years.
‘He was loving, kind and full of mischief, the best boy that anyone could wish for and the third corner of our beautiful family ‘triangle’.
‘Jay loved being outdoors, the muddier he could get the better and was starting to follow in the footsteps of his Dad with his obsession for Speedway at Workington, where he first attended aged one years.
‘He always went to the Pit to fist bump his heroes, local racers Harry and Sam McGurk. Jay was a talented rider himself and was showing real promise for the sport.
‘Jay was a defender at Whitehaven Miners Football Club. He would occasionally score a goal, albeit an own goal, but that didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. His favourite player was (Manchester City striker) Erling Haaland and he had a dream to move to Brazil and to meet Lionel Messi.’
They added: ‘Jay was extremely loved, not only by us, but by all who met him. He had fantastic friends and always had a smile on his face. We will miss him every day, but his love surrounds us and his memory will never fade.’
Cumbria Police said today in a statement: ‘Allan Thursby, 64, of Dent Place, Cleator Moor, was arrested on September 28 2024 and has been on police bail since.
‘Today he was charged with gross negligence manslaughter.’
Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division, said: ‘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.
‘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.
‘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.’
