Man pleads not guilty over fatal shooting of boy, 8, on Cumbrian farm
Allan Thursby has pleaded not guilty to gross negligence manslaughter
Last updated 24th Apr 2026
A man has pleaded not guilty to the gross negligence manslaughter of an eight-year-old boy who was fatally shot in Cumbria.
Jay Cartmell was left with serious head injuries after a firearm was discharged on a farm near Warcop on 28th September 2024.
The boy, from Frizington, Cumbria, was rushed to hospital by air ambulance but was later pronounced dead.
64-year-old Allan Thursby, of Dent Place, Cleator Moor, was arrested that same day.
He has today (24th April) pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He's next due to appear at Carlisle Crown Court on 28th September 2026.
He's been bailed with a condition that he doesn't approach or contact Jay’s parents.