Jack Barnes: Four tram staff deny manslaughter of father-of-one

Jack Barnes suffered a cardiac arrest and died almost two months later in hospital

Four tram workers accused of the manslaughter of a father-of-one will go on trial next year.

Jack Barnes suffered a cardiac arrest after he was allegedly restrained by "customer service representatives" who were monitoring passengers on the Metrolink tram service in Manchester.

The 29-year-old, from Hull, died almost two months later in hospital.

Paul Fogarty, Stephen Rowlands, Matthew Sellers, and Brian Gartside, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Mr Rowlands also denied perverting the course of justice by allegedly providing a false witness statement to Greater Manchester Police.

Mr Justice Goose set a trial date of 20 January next year at Liverpool Crown Court.

It is estimated to last up to six weeks.

Mr Fogarty, 50, of Monks Lane, Bolton, Mr Rowlands, 67, of Wearish Lane, Westhoughton, Mr Sellers, 29, of Heathfield Road, Bury, and Mr Gartside, 59, of Danesworth Avenue, Whitworth, were all granted bail on condition of residence.

A pre-trial review hearing is expected to take place on 22 November.

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