Metrolink contract workers not guilty of manslaughter

THREE Metrolink-contracted workers who stood trial over the death of a man pinned down on a street have been found not guilty of manslaughter.

- By DAMON WILKINSON & LYNDA ROUGHLEY

THREE Metrolink-contracted workers who stood trial over the death of a man pinned down on a street have been found not guilty of manslaughter.

Jack Barnes, 29, suffered a cardiac arrest after losing consciousness while being held face down for nine minutes following a pursuit through Manchester city centre.

Supporters of Matthew Sellers, Brian Gartside and Paul Fogarty, broke down in tears in the public gallery when the unanimous verdicts were returned at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday.

The jury failed to reach a verdict on the men's supervisor, Stephen Rowlands, who was also accused of manslaughter in connection with the dad-of-one's death. Jurors earlier acquitted him of attempting to pervert the course of justice involving allegedly making a false witness statement.

His case was adjourned for a week to enable the prosecution to decide whether he should face a re-trial. Mr Rowlands's bail was renewed.