CPS authorises manslaughter charges after 2016 death of Jack Barnes in Manchester
14.09.2023 - 16:37
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Four men will be charged with manslaughter over the 2016 death of Jack Barnes in Manchester, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said.
Mr Barnes, originally from Hull, suffered a cardiac arrest and hypoxic brain injury after an alleged incident in Spinningfields in Manchester city centre. He died seven weeks later on December 2, 2016.
It followed a reported incident at Manchester Victoria railway station.
Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “The CPS has authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge four men following the death of Jack Barnes in 2016. Mr Barnes died on 2 December 2016 following an incident in Manchester city centre on 11 October 2016.
"Paul Fogarty, 50, Brian Gartside, 59, Stephen Rowlands, 67, and Matthew Sellers, 29, who were staff members subcontracted by Metrolink at the time, are to be charged with unlawful act manslaughter. Mr Rowlands will also be charged with a single offence of perverting the course of justice relating to a witness statement.
"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are active and that they have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
All four, the CPS said, are due to appear at Manchester and Salford magistrates court on a date to be fixed.
Mr Fogarty and Mr Rowlands are from Bolton, the CPS said.
Mr Gartside is from Rochdale and Mr Sellers from Bury.
In a statement at the time, Jack's mother, Patricia Gerrard, said: "Jack was a loving and devoted