CPS authorises manslaughter charges following death of Jack Barnes
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “The CPS has authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge four men following the death of Jack Barnes in 2016.
“Mr Barnes died on 2 December 2016 following an incident in Manchester city centre on 11 October 2016.
“Paul Fogarty, 50, Brian Gartside, 59, Stephen Rowlands, 67, and Matthew Sellers, 29, who were staff members subcontracted by Metrolink at the time, are to be charged with unlawful act manslaughter.
“Mr Rowlands will also be charged with a single offence of perverting the course of justice relating to a witness statement.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are active and that they have the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Notes to editors
- Paul Fogarty [DOB: 16/07/73], of Bolton, Greater Manchester, Brian Gartside [DOB: 08/07/64], of Rochdale, Greater Manchester, Stephen Rowlands [DOB: 30/05/56], of Bolton, Greater Manchester, and Matthew Sellers [DOB: 06/03/94], of Bury, Greater Manchester, are to be charged with unlawful act manslaughter.
- Mr Rowlands is also to be charged with perverting the course of justice.
- They will appear at the City of Manchester Magistrates’ Court on January 4, 2024.