The family of a man who died following a traffic incident in Onchan have hit out at the judicial system.

Last week, a jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict in the death by dangerous driving trial of Jackson Joseph Paul. He was also acquitted of the lesser offence of causing death by careless driving.

Jordan Thomas, 29, suffered catastrophic injuries during the incident on Harbour Road, Onchan, on the evening of Sunday, February 25, 2024. He was transferred to Aintree Hospital, Liverpool, where he died on March 4.

The court heard that Jordan had jumped onto the bonnet of Mr Paul’s car and started pulling on the windscreen wipers.

The vehicle reversed for several metres, stopped and then accelerated forward to a speed of at least 20mph before braking hard, causing Mr Thomas to fall back onto the road and suffer injuries which later proved fatal.

Mr Paul had been convicted following a trial in February last year but successfully appealed against his conviction. His six-year jail term had previously been reduced to four years on appeal.

While Jordan’s family say they accept the verdict, they have raised concerns about what they believe is an increase in successful appeals in recent years.

Last month, a retrial took place involving a case in which James Marcus Doherty, 42, Steven John Cannon, 46, and Graham Peter Skillicorn, 66, were accused of raping an 18-year-old woman at a flat.

Despite successfully appealing their earlier convictions, the three men were unanimously found guilty following the second trial. A more historic rape case has also recently been the subject of an appeal hearing.

Jordan’s sister Jade said: ‘Our justice system is in trouble. This is the second retrial in a matter of weeks. There are more appeals, high-profile cases and now our case - involving a driver who was previously convicted and imprisoned in connection with Jordan’s death - has resulted in a different outcome following a retrial.

‘Two high-profile cases, retrials and appeals. People are entitled to ask questions and to have concerns about what is happening within our justice system.

‘From a victim’s perspective our family, like many other victims’ families, feels constantly let down by the system. We are expected to endure the loss, the uncertainty, the delays and the repeated court proceedings, while often feeling that the impact on victims or complainants and their families is overlooked.

‘In our case, our understanding is that the retrial resulted from an issue with the original court process - a matter concerning the directions given to the jury. The driver had already been through a trial and two appeals.’

The family say the case was based largely on the same evidence, although new expert evidence was presented.

‘The difference in this retrial, from our perspective, was the way in which the case was presented,’ Jade said. ‘We understand that the jury were not told that this was a retrial.

‘A barrister from the UK, funded through legal aid, was assisted by an advocate who had been involved in the original trial and was later involved again in these proceedings. There was one prosecutor for the Crown doing the best he could.

‘Meanwhile, from the public gallery we watched witnesses go through what appeared to us to be an extremely difficult and distressing process again. That is how it felt to us as Jordan’s family, watching the proceedings unfold.’

Jade praised the witnesses who gave evidence and said the entire court process had been incredibly difficult.

‘I hope none of you are ever a victim, or ever have to sit through court proceedings after losing someone you love,’ she said. ‘God bless the brave witnesses who came forward and gave their evidence.

‘One thing remains absolutely clear to our family: Jordan lost his life, and nothing that happens in a courtroom will ever change that.

‘We feel like we have just relived every single moment of Jordan’s death over and over again.’

Media IOM put the concerns raised by the family to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

Responding to the family’s concerns about the number of appeals heard recently, a spokesperson said: ‘Given the relatively small number of cases involved, it would be misleading to characterise recent cases as an increase in successful appeals.’

Asked about support offered to victims, complainants and their families when an appeal is lodged, the spokesperson said: ‘Support continues to be available to victims and their families throughout the appeal process.

‘Victim Support Isle of Man remains engaged with those affected, while Family Liaison Officers from the Isle of Man Constabulary will also provide support where appropriate. Victims and families seeking further detail about the support available may wish to contact Victim Support Isle of Man directly.’

In response to concerns about defendants being granted legal aid for KCs from the UK, the DHA spokesperson said each case was assessed under existing legislation.

They said: ‘In certain circumstances, the First Deemster may grant a licence for counsel from another jurisdiction to act in Isle of Man proceedings where the applicant can establish grounds under section 17 of the Advocates Act 1995.

‘Where a defendant is eligible for legal aid, funding may be available to cover the costs associated with instructing an advocate for that purpose. Each application is considered on its own merits and in accordance with the relevant legal framework.’

Despite the outcome of the trial, the Thomas family is continuing its campaign for tougher sentences for those convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, as well as raising money in Jordan’s memory.

The family wants the law changed to match that of England and Wales, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for causing death by dangerous driving.

Jade said: ‘We will continue the campaign to change the death by dangerous law. The law had gone through consultation ready for Tynwald but was stopped due to the retrial.

‘There will be an annual charity event in Jordan’s name. This will continue his past support for local charities.’