A tragic incident that lasted for more than six minutes led to the death of a 29-year-old father, Gavin Brown, who was pinned down and held in a choke-hold outside a Stretford pub. Gavin tragically passed away eight days later in April 2019. Today, over five years on, his family continues to grapple with the likelihood that no one will be held criminally accountable for his death. This heartbreaking reality is compounded by the defeat in their recent legal battle, leaving them facing significant legal costs.
In 2021, a jury inquest determined that Gavin was unlawfully killed, but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has consistently declined to press criminal charges, citing a lack of realistic prospects for a conviction. Following the Brown family’s latest legal challenge, a High Court judge upheld the CPS’s decision and dismissed calls for a full judicial review. This ruling dealt a devastating blow to Gavin’s loved ones, who believe he deserved better.
The events of that fateful Friday night in 2019 outside The Melville pub involved two key individuals: Stefan O’Donnell, a customer, and Amechi Omeje, the door supervisor on duty. Witness testimonies and court documents reveal a chaotic scene where Gavin’s actions led to a confrontation, resulting in him being restrained in a chokehold by Mr. O’Donnell. Despite efforts to subdue Gavin, the situation quickly escalated, with onlookers mistakenly believing that an acid attack had occurred.
During the incident, Mr. Omeje, a licensed security professional, failed to intervene effectively, according to legal proceedings. The duration of the chokehold on Gavin has been a focal point of the legal dispute, with Gavin’s family’s lawyers arguing that Mr. Omeje’s inaction breached his duty of care. They believe that Gavin’s life could have been saved if the hold had been released sooner, as suggested by medical evidence presented during the inquest.
Despite the outcry for accountability, the CPS has stood by its decision not to pursue criminal charges, prompting Gavin’s family to pursue all available legal avenues in search of justice. The recent dismissal of their bid for a judicial review further deepened their anguish, leaving them with more questions than answers. Sophie Penrose, Gavin’s sister, expressed the enduring pain and frustration her family feels, emphasising their unwavering determination to seek justice for Gavin.
As the Brown family continues their fight for answers and accountability in Gavin’s untimely death, the lingering sense of injustice and loss remains a constant burden. The legal battle, the emotional toll, and the quest for closure are ongoing struggles for a family devastated by the tragic loss of a beloved son and father.