Crown Prosecution Service stops manslaughter case due to evidential changes
Simon Clark, from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Our thoughts and condolences remain with Mikey’s family during this incredibly difficult time.
“This case shows the perils of people carrying knives. The Crown Prosecution Service treats knife crime with the utmost seriousness and is committed to ensuring that those responsible are prosecuted where possible.
“Due to changes with the evidence available and in light of the case as a whole, after careful review and applying the Code for Crown Prosecutors it was decided that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction against Cartel Bushnell and Leo Knight.”
Notes to editors
- A court previously heard that Mikey Roynon, 16, was killed at a house party in Bath in June 2023.
- On 7 March 2024, following a trial at Bristol Crown Court, Shane Cunningham [DOB: 11/05/2007] was found guilty of one count of murder and one count of having an article with a blade or point. Leo Knight [DOB: 26/10/2007] and Cartel Bushnell [DOB: 11/12/2007] were both found guilty of one count of manslaughter and one count of having an article with a blade or point.
- They were sentenced on 3 May 2024 at Bristol Crown Court. Shane Cunningham was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years and continues to serve his sentence.
- Leo Knight and Cartel Bushnell had their convictions of manslaughter quashed by the Court of Appeal in May 2025. A retrial was set for 3 November 2025.
- On 29 October 2025 at Bristol Crown Court, the CPS made the decision to offer no evidence.
- It is not the function of the CPS to determine whether or not a suspect is guilty of a criminal offence. We make decisions on whether or not to prosecute a case before the courts.