Latest news: Justice for Jay Campaign
05/02/08
Justice for Jay Abatan – 9 years on still no justice
The family of Jay Abatan, a black man who was murdered in a racist attack on 24th January 1999 in Brighton held a candlelit vigil outside Sussex police station. Jay's murderers have still not faced trial. More
Justice for Jay Campaign
Jay
Abatan, a 42- year old black man was attacked by a gang in Brighton on 24
January 1999. He died in hospital 5 days later after sustaining severe head
injuries. His brother Michael and a friend, who were out celebrating his promotion
with Jay, were also attacked. Two men were arrested and charged with manslaughter
but were eventually only charged with affray and Actual Bodily Harm to Michael
by the time of the trial due to a lack of witnesses. The jury was not allowed
to hear of Jay’s deaths as the judge ruled that this would prejudice
the trial. No one has yet been tried for Jay’s murder.
This investigation was the subject of an inquiry by Essex police. The original
investigating team was replaced by another team as a result of this inquiry.
It was announced that the murder was being treated as a racist killing –
two years after it took place. However, the family has not been shown the
findings of this second report. NAAR supports the family in its campaign
to
get the police to release the report.
Campaign update, 2 November 2007
Jay's family has recently met the coroner to submit their concerns about the need for an inquest into Jay's death. Further submissions have been requested by the coroner who will then decide whether there will be an inquest. Contact NAAR for further information.
