A man has pleaded not guilty to the gross negligence manslaughter of an eight-year-old boy who died following a firearm discharge on farm land in the Eden Valley.
Jay Cartmell died after he sustained serious head injuries in an incident on land at Wheatsheaf Farm, near Warcop, east of Appleby on Saturday September 28 2024.
Allan Thursby, 64, was charged last month and faces one criminal charge.
This alleges that he unlawfully killed Jay, of Frizington, by gross negligence manslaughter.
Thursby, of Dent Place, Cleator Moor, appeared in front of a judge at Carlisle Crown Court this morning.
During an 11-minute hearing, Thursby pleaded not guilty to the allegation.
In the dock, he had confirmed his name and address before speaking to formally enter his plea.
No other details about the alleged incident were given during the hearing.
A provisional date for a trial in front of a jury was agreed. This is due to start on July 26 2027, and has been given an estimate of around two weeks.
Judge Nicholas Barker agreed a number of dates for the future progression of the case with legal counsel — John Elvidge KC for the prosecution, and defence barrister Hugh McKee.
As Judge Barker adjourned today’s proceedings, he told Thursby that he should co-operate with his barrister and solicitors to prepare a document known as a defence statement.
“It is your document and sets out in detail what your defence to this allegation is,” said the judge.
Thursby is next due to attend Carlisle Crown Court on September 28 this year, when the case will be reviewed.
In the meantime he remains on bail. One condition attached to that bail prohibits him from having any contact with two named individuals.
