During an inquest, a teenager denied intentionally pushing 13-year-old Christopher Kapessa to his death in a Welsh river. He claimed that he accidentally bumped into the boy while standing on a high ledge above the dark water.
The teenager, whose identity is protected by law, stated during the inquest for Christopher that he could not recall saying to a friend, “Should I push him?” He also could not remember laughing after the weak swimmer fell into the river.
The family of Christopher has requested for the teenager to face charges for his death. However, the Crown Prosecution Service has stated that it is not in the best interest of the public to pursue this. Christopher’s loved ones argue that if he were not black, the CPS would have treated the case with more gravity.
At the inquiry in Pontypridd, located in south Wales, multiple individuals who were present at the riverbank have stated that they witnessed the shove or were informed of it shortly after it occurred.
At the beginning of the testimony from the 19-year-old, assistant coroner David Regan reminded him that he had the right to not answer any questions that could potentially implicate him. However, if he did choose to respond, he was obligated to tell the truth.
The adolescent stated that he was acquainted with Christopher through their shared attendance at school and participation in football. On 1 July 2019, the two were among a group of friends who visited the River Cynon in Ferndale, located in south Wales, after school. According to the witness, Christopher was seen standing on a grey stone ledge, appearing to consider jumping into the river like their other friends had done.
A second friend who was there testified in court that the 19-year-old inquired about whether he should push Christopher into the water. The 19-year-old claimed, “I do not remember having a discussion with him.”
Tom Leeper, the counsel for the inquest, inquired of him, “How did Christopher come to be in the water?” The witness responded that he “fell into” it. Upon hearing this, Christopher’s mother, Alina Joseph, exited the courtroom in tears.
Leeper inquired, “Did you purposely use the palms of your hands to push Christopher from behind right before he entered the water?” The response given was, “No.”
The lawyer inquired whether he was standing on the stone ledge, laughing, after Christopher went into the water, as stated by one witness. He responded, “I recall being on the ledge, but I’m not sure if I was laughing.” He also refuted telling a friend that he had playfully pushed Christopher into the water.
Michael Mansfield, the KC representing Christopher’s family, inquired, “Did you state that you tripped, lost your footing, and fell directly behind Christopher?” The individual responded, “Yes.”
Mansfield inquired whether he had informed anyone at the time that it was a “horrible accident”. The 19-year-old claimed he could not recall doing so. Mansfield stated, “There were no discussions because that was not the case.”
The lawyer stated that the inquest provided a chance for the witness to speak honestly. He reminded the witness, “You know that none of the individuals present, not even one, witnessed what you claim occurred.” The witness acknowledged this.
Mansfield stated that you, in fact, did push him into the water, whether it was meant as a joke or just playful behavior.
The witness stated that there was physical contact, but they did not push the other person.
Mansfield questioned him, asking if he had intentionally caused Christopher to waver and fall.
The person giving testimony answered, “No.”
The inquest continues.
Source: theguardian.com
