Family's five-year battle for justice over dad-of-two's death takes another twist
30.05.2024 - 11:17
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A family who have been fighting to secure justice after a vulnerable dad-of-two was 'unlawfully killed' has secured a judicial review hearing. Gavin Brown died in hospital on April 20, 2019, eight days after an altercation outside a Stretford pub.
The 29-year-old had been restrained by a member of the public for more than six minutes, his inquest heard in December 2021. Jurors concluded that Gavin's death had been 'unlawful' and the coroner asked police to take another look at the case.
But after three reviews of evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service insisted it was unable to charge anyone in connection with Gavin's death. His family began to pursue a judicial review into the CPS decision last summer.
READ MORE: GMP officer named and set to face court after she's charged in 'corruption' investigation
The application for a judicial review has since been granted - and now the case will proceed to a two-day court hearing on July 17 and 18, in Manchester. A statement from Gavin's family said: "We have never given up in our fight for truth and accountability.
"The judge’s decision to grant permission in our application for judicial review is a huge vindication of our efforts." Gavin's family pursued the judicial review following positive advice from specialist public law barrister Jodie Blackstock, of Garden Court Chambers.
Lawyers representing the family submitted the application to the Administrative Court. The application for judicial review was granted by Mr Justice Fordham, who stated he was 'satisfied that the grounds of claim cross the threshold of arguability and that the case warrants consideration at a substantive hearing'.
Lucie Boase, of Broudie Jackson Canter, who is representing the family, said: "The