Jordan Maddison’s mother still waiting for justice two years after his death

Jan 30 2010 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

JUSTICE is still hanging in the balance for the mother of a 12-year-old schoolboy who died during a terrifying chase by bullies – exactly two years after the tragedy.

Jordan Maddison, who had a chronic heart defect, fled with his friend from two teenagers who he feared would beat him up.

He collapsed after seeking sanctuary in the house of his friend’s grandmother but later died in Sunderland Royal Hospital.

At an inquest last month, coroner Derek Winter said he was satisfied “beyond all reasonable doubt” the youngster had died because 19-year-old Jordan Jordison and a 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had pursued and threatened him.

Both teenagers denied even seeing Jordan on the day he died, but Mr Winter said their testimonies had been “unreliable” and Jordan’s friend had clearly identified them.

The Crown Prosecution Service agreed to review the case in light of Mr Winter’s ruling of unlawful killing, with the view of bringing criminal charges against the two teenagers responsible.

Now, on the second anniversary of Jordan’s death, his mother, Bev Chapplow, 29, from Fenton Terrace, Houghton-le-Spring, has said she will not give up her fight for justice.

The nurse at Sunderland Royal Hospital said: “I feel angry and frustrated about the whole thing. After everything we went through it seems like we should have some closure. It’s difficult knowing no one has ever been held accountable for what happened. After the coroner’s verdict we had hoped there would be some developments but nothing has happened.