Jay Abatan 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 initially charged with manslaughter. But they were eventually only charged with affray and actual bodily harm 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.
It has taken years of relentless campaigning by Jay’s family and their supporters for the police report into the investigation to be released. A decade on from the findings of the Lawrence report, which found institutional racism in the police force, Jay’s family are still facing the repercussions of the injustice that black communities face in the criminal justice system.
The family held a commemorative vigil outside Brighton Police station this January to mark the 10th anniversary of his murder.
The Campaign is working towards a fighting fund to ensure that justice is served through the courts. NAAR supporters can contribute to the fund by sending cheques payable to ‘Justice for Jay’ to Justice for Jay, c/o NAAR, 28 Commercial St, London E8 4NJ. Messages of support to his family can be sent to the same address or email info@naar.org.uk.
For more information see www.justiceforjay.co.uk