Man charged over death of boy, 8, shot on farm during rabbit hunt

The boy suffered serious injuries after the incident in Warcop, Cumbria, and was airlifted to hospital. He sadly died later that day.

He is said to have suffered "serious head injuries involving the discharge of a firearm by Mr Thursby."

The force said Thursby had been arrested on the day of the incident, September 28, 2024, and has been on bail since.

He is due to appear at Carlisle Magistrates' Court on March 26.

Cumbria Police today released a statement reading: "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."

Meanwhile, 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."

Jay's parents, Leigha and James Cartmell, previously issued a statement to their "perfect little boy" who was "full of mischief".

"We are heartbroken at the passing of our perfect little boy - Jay Cartmell, eight years," the statement read.

"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 Erling Haaland and he had a dream to move to Brazil and to meet Lionel Messi."

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