Hull man unlawfully killed after being restrained face down in Manchester Victoria station

A man from Hull was unlawfully killed after being restrained face down at Manchester Victoria Station, an inquest has found.
Jack Barnes died after being restrained face down in Manchester Victoria stationJack Barnes died after being restrained face down in Manchester Victoria station
Jack Barnes died after being restrained face down in Manchester Victoria station

Jack Barnes, 29, died in 2016 after suffering a heart attack during the restraint, where he was held down by four men working at the station as security.

All four men were working for an external company to the station.

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Footage taken from body cameras showed that the men chased Mr Barnes for nine minutes through the station after an altercation. He was restrained face down and was heard saying he could not breathe seven times in the footage.

Father-of one Mr Barnes suffered a heart attack, followed by a cardiac arrest and died in hospital seven weeks later.

The inquest was told that restraint was continued for two minutes after Mr Barnes was last seen moving without any attempt at CPR.

The inquest was also told that Mr Barnes had taken an unknown amount of synthetic cannabinoids during the evening and up to the initial altercation outside Victoria Station.

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Recording a verdict of unlawful killing, senior Manchester coroner Nigel Meadows said the men became “carried away by the bravado of the chase.”

He said that grossly excessive and unreasonable amounts of excessive force were used to restrain Mr Barnes, including pressure on his neck.

Mr Barnes’ mother Patricia Gerrard said: “How can anybody justify ignoring somebody’s repeated pleas to be allowed to breathe? It is absolutely appalling and the actions of these men are the reason Jack is no longer here and no longer able to see his little girl, who was just three-years-old when he died. I hold them all responsible. Jack was a very loving boy and so deserving of life.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Greater Manchester Police conducted a full investigation into this incredibly tragic case and arrested four men in relation to the incident. Following a review by the Crown Prosecution Service, all four men were released without charge. Our thoughts remain with Jack's family and loved ones at this time."

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Mrs Gerrard was represented by solicitor Lauren Dale, of Hudgell Solicitors, and barrister Frederick Powell, of Doughty Street Chambers, at the inquest.

Ms Dale said: “This case is a reminder of the tragic consequences of security and other personnel seeking confrontation and using excessive force."