The tragic and unjust death of Ben Smith, an 18-year-old teen, has left his family and community grieving and calling for justice. Ben was fatally injured in an altercation, and his family believes that the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have failed to hold the responsible party to account. Moreover, they feel that Ben has been wrongly blamed for his own death, adding to their agony and frustration.
The family’s account paints a very different picture from the official narrative. They assert that the lack of prompt gathering of witness statements and the failure to arrest the suspect early on have hindered the pursuit of justice. Despite their pleas and three CPS reviews, no formal proceedings have been initiated, leaving the family feeling abandoned by the system.
The family is advocating for a change in the law to ensure that cases claiming ‘self defense’ should be decided by a jury and brought to court. They are also calling for a re-evaluation of the evidence, including the inclusion of a ‘lip reading’ specialist to shed light on the circumstances of the altercation that led to Ben’s untimely demise.
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The emotional toll on the family is immense, compounded by the lack of closure and the perceived lack of assistance from the authorities. Their quest for justice is manifested in their plea for transparency and a comprehensive re-examination of the case.
Ben’s family is determined to honor his memory by seeking answers and raising awareness about the impact of violence. The community has rallied behind them, contributing to fundraisers and keeping Ben’s memory alive. Their relentless pursuit of justice is a testament to their unwavering love and commitment to making sure Ben’s death was not in vain.