Man charged after boy, 8, shot dead on farm during 'rabbit shooting expedition'

The youngster, from Frizington, Cumbria, was rushed to hospital by air ambulance, however, he was later pronounced dead.

Now, Allan Thursby, from Cleator Moor, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.

On Tuesday, Cumbria Police said in a statement: "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."

Mr Thursby has been bailed to appear at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on March 26, police added.

Jay’s parents Leigha and James Cartmell described their son as the "third corner of our beautiful family triangle" who was "loving, kind and full of mischief".

They added: "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.

"We will miss him every day but his love surrounds us and his memory will never fade."

An inquest was opened into his death the following month and heard that Jay was killed with a shotgun during a rabbit shooting expedition.

Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime Division Malcolm McHaffie 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."