Man denies unlawful killing of boy shot at farm

A man has pleaded not guilty to the gross negligence manslaughter of an eight-year-old boy who was fatally shot on a farm.

Jay Cartmell died from a head injury when a gun was fired at the farm in Warcop, near Appleby in Cumbria, on 28 September 2024.

Allan Thursby, 64, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court where he denied unlawfully killing Jay.

A provisional date of 26 July 2027 was set for his trial which has been given an estimated duration of two weeks.

Thursby, of Dent Place, Cleator Moor, is next due to attend court on 28 September when the case will be reviewed.

At the time of his death, Jay's parents, from Frizington, paid tribute to their son who was a speedway and football fan.

In a statement, they said: "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."

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