Man appears in court over death of eight-year-old boy

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A man has appeared before magistrates in connection with the death of an eight-year-old boy who was fatally shot on a farm in Cumbria.

Allan Thursby, 64, of Cleator Moor, appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court charged with gross negligence manslaughter. The charge relates to the death of Jay Cartmell, who died after sustaining a serious head injury when a firearm was discharged on farmland near Warcop on September 28, 2024.

During the brief hearing, Thursby confirmed his personal details but was not asked to enter a plea. The court was told that due to the seriousness of the offence, the case must be dealt with at a higher court.

He has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear at Carlisle Crown Court on April 24 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Jay Cartmell, from Frizington, was rushed to hospital following the incident but later died from his injuries. The case continues as legal proceedings move forward.