Two teenagers who were set to stand trial for a second time on manslaughter charges over the death of Mikey Roynon in Bath have been acquitted.
Mikey Roynon was fatally stabbed at a property on Eastfield Avenue in Bath | Photo courtesy of Mikey’s family / Avon & Somerset Police
Bristol Crown Court dismissed the charge of manslaughter against two teenagers accused of being involved in the killing of the 16-year-old in Bath in June 2023.
Mikey was murdered at a house party at Eastfield Avenue in Weston village.
Shane Cunningham was convicted of his murder last year, and he continues to serve a life sentence.
Two other teenagers, Leo Knight, 18, and Cartel Bushnell, 17, had manslaughter convictions quashed by the Court of Appeal in May 2025. A re-trial had been scheduled for November.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now determined there is no longer a realistic prospect of a conviction due to changes in the evidence available.
A hearing at Bristol Crown Court was held yesterday, Wednesday 29th October, where it was confirmed the case would be discontinued, with both individuals acquitted.
Bushnell pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article, and Knight was convicted of the same offence during last year’s trial, and those convictions are unaffected by the decision.
The scene at Eastfield Avenue in Bath | Photo © Bath Echo
Detective Superintendent Mike Buck, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Mikey was cruelly murdered in a brutal, vicious attack. Shane Cunningham was convicted of Mikey’s murder last year and is continuing to serve a life sentence for this heinous crime.
“This week the CPS has determined it is not possible to proceed with a re-trial against Leo Knight and Cartel Bushnell, and they have therefore been acquitted of manslaughter.
“Understandably this news has been devastating for Mikey’s family. They remain at the centre of all our thoughts and specialist officers continue to provide them with support.
“The dignity and the courage Mikey’s family have shown throughout the past two-and-a-half years has been truly humbling.
A memorial to Mikey at Eastfield Avenue in Bath
“Since Mikey’s life was so cruelly snatched away from him, his family have done an inspirational job raising awareness of the dangers of knife crime.
“We sincerely hope the hard work they have carried out in Mikey’s memory is remembered and respected by everyone, because the consequences can be catastrophic.”
Simon Clark, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Our thoughts and condolences remain with Mikey’s family during this incredibly difficult time.
“This case shows the perils of people carrying knives. The Crown Prosecution Service treats knife crime with the utmost seriousness and is committed to ensuring that those responsible are prosecuted where possible.
“Due to changes with the evidence available and in light of the case as a whole, after careful review and applying the Code for Crown Prosecutors, it was decided that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction against Cartel Bushnell and Leo Knight.”
In a statement, Mikey’s mother, Hayley Ryall, said: “I was gutted when we heard the news that the case was being discontinued. It was like a punch in the stomach.
“We went through a long trial last year, which was like a whirlwind, but when that was over we thought it was all done.
“We take comfort in the fact that Shane Cunningham is still in prison. We know he murdered Mikey, and this doesn’t take that justice away, because he has that life sentence.
“The two released have a second chance – I really hope they take it and don’t mess it up. Mikey doesn’t have one, and we don’t get one either.
“I really want to keep Mikey’s name alive and I don’t want him to be forgotten in the wake of this decision.
“We continue to campaign through Mikey’s World and we’ve just got out 700 bleed kits through the Avon and Somerset Police Bleed Kit Partnership, and we’re looking at the prevention side of things now, including virtual reality headsets that Cornerstone provides us.
“It’s about helping young deal with heated situations, without resorting to devastating violence.
“Mikey was cheeky, he had a great big grin and a really kind heart. He was a typical teenage boy.
“I can’t begin to put into words how much I miss him. I still think he is going to come home.”
