A Metrolink contractor is on trial for the death of Jack Barnes, who died after being restrained. The contractor claims he thought Barnes was reaching for a knife during the incident.
Manchester: A tragic incident unfolded when Jack Barnes, a 28-year-old from Hull, died after a chase involving Metrolink contractors. He suffered a cardiac arrest after being pinned down on the ground.
Witnesses say he repeatedly cried out, “I can’t breathe.” Sadly, he never regained consciousness and passed away weeks later in the hospital.
In court, Matthew Sellers, one of the contractors, testified. He claimed he thought Barnes was reaching for a knife during the confrontation. Footage from his body camera was shown, revealing the chase and restraint.
Sellers explained he had no formal training from Metrolink. He mentioned that he often faced aggression while on the job, with physical altercations happening regularly.
On the night of the incident, he met colleagues at the tram station. They were looking for a group of young men who had threatened one of their team members. This led to the confrontation outside the station.
During the chase, Sellers claimed he was trying to alert people about a potential threat. He shouted that Barnes had threatened him with a knife, but he later admitted it was just adrenaline talking.
He insisted he wasn’t trying to harm Barnes but wanted to detain him until the police arrived. However, he didn’t call the police during the nine-minute chase.
As the struggle continued, Barnes asked to have his neck released. Sellers claimed he didn’t hear Barnes complaining about breathing difficulties, stating he was able to converse normally.
Eventually, the situation escalated, and other contractors joined in. Sellers said he focused on another man involved in the incident, leaving Barnes momentarily.
The trial is ongoing, and the court is examining the actions of the contractors during this tragic event.
