Metrolink Workers Acquitted of Manslaughter in Restraint Death Case

Jack Barnes, age 29, died after being held down on a street for nine minutes. Three workers contracted by Metrolink faced trial after Jack’s death. They were found not guilty of manslaughter.

The incident happened in Manchester. Jack had a cardiac arrest and lost consciousness during the face down restraint. A jury delivered unanimous verdicts at Liverpool Crown Court. Women cried in the public gallery, supporting the acquitted men.

The jury has not decided about Stephen Rowlands. He is the men’s supervisor and also faces manslaughter charges. He was acquitted of another charge, perverting justice.

Matthew Sellers, Brian Gartside, and Paul Fogarty are the released men. Jack Barnes died after this incident.

The trial lasted four weeks. The jury heard key evidence that Jack said he could not breathe while restrained on the ground. The incident was outside a bar on October 11, 2016.

Rowlands made a comment on Sellers’ camera, telling Barnes he would put him to sleep, but it wouldn’t kill him. He denied using a choke hold. Rowlands and Fogarty held Barnes down. Rowlands realized Barnes was unwell, rolled him over, and began CPR.

Barnes’ heart restarted, but he remained unconscious. He died in the hospital on December 2, 2016. Sellers, Fogarty, Gartside, and Rowlands chased Barnes and his associate after an event at Victoria station.

Rowlands stated Barnes swung a bag at his head, which he deflected, breaking his knuckle. The men knew the “Walk Away” policy which advised avoiding physical engagement and not following passengers. Their role involved managing bad behavior.

The case is ongoing to conclude Rowlands’ role.