Two men cleared of manslaughter

Two mechanics have been cleared of the manslaughter of teenage cyclist, James Berry.

A short time ago, an eight woman and four man jury returned its verdicts at Douglas Courthouse, following a ten day trial.

Forty seven year old Philip Firth of Laxey, and 52 year David Jones of Ramsey both denied the charge.

They repaired a lorry days before a wheel came off the vehicle, striking 13 year old cyclist James Berry who was on a training ride in Greeba in December 2005.

He died from head injuries the following day.

The jury spent eight hours reaching its verdict.

After the verdict, James’ father Ken, made this statement on behalf of the family (audio file attached):

Following the verdicts, Mr Jones said he was ‘very relieved the nightmare was now over' and said he had great sympathy for James Berry’s family.

However, he criticised the Island’s police for pursuing the case which, he said, needlessly prolonged the Berry family’s agony.