Jessie James inquest

08/08/2007

The inquest into the death of murdered schoolboy Jessie James has been adjourned today (8/8/07) after a new witness came forward.

UPDATE: 30/11/07 "Jessie cop to be disciplined" (see Manchester Evening News story link at foot of article).

As a result of this new witness evidence along with other important evidence which has emerged during the inquest proceedings, the coroner has adjourned the inquest whilst further inquiries are made by the police.

The inquest into the death of Jessie James in Moss Side opened on Monday 6th August 2007 at Manchester Crown Court.

In the lead-up to the inquest, Manchester's coroner had launched an unprecedented bid to overcome the wall of fear and silence surrounding the murder of teenager Jessie James .

In a press release statement, HM Coroner for Manchester, Mr Nigel Meadows, said:

"The inquest into the death of Jessie James will be heard at Manchester Crown Court, starting on Monday 6th August. I have made orders protecting the anonymity of civilian members of the public who can give any relevant evidence. Special measures are in place to protect these witnessesâ identities, as well as their security.

Jessie was a 15 year old schoolboy who was gunned down in Broadfield Park at about 1am on the 9th September 2006.

I am sure that someone in the community in and around Moss Side knows something more about the circumstances of Jesseâs death. It may involve events that occurred the day before or earlier than that. People in Manchester will not and cannot allow the killing of a young boy to go unsolved. Everyone in the community owes it to Jessieâs family to do all that they can to bring the murderers to justice. I therefore appeal to anyone who can provide any information about the matter to tell the police urgently. Your identity will be protected. The killing of Jessie is a watershed event for the community and Jessieâs killers need to be caught to prevent a reoccurrence of this sort of incident ever again on the streets of Manchester."

Pete Weatherby is representing Jessie James' mother, Barbara Reid, instructed by Robert Lizar solicitors.