The Crown Prosecution Service has today announced that a 64-year-old man has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the death of eight-year-old schoolboy Jay Cartmell.  

Allan Thursby, 64, of Cleator Moor in Cumbria has been charged following an incident at Wheatsheaf farm in Warcop, Cumbria on 28 September 2024.

Jay died after sustaining serious head injuries involving the discharge of a firearm by Mr Thursby.

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.”

Mr Thursby has been bailed and will appear at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 26 March 2026.