MOTORCYCLISTS will be descending on Stourbridge this weekend in memory of Ryan Passey to mark the seventh anniversary of his tragic death in a town centre stabbing.
The Ride for Justice has become an annual event held to remember the popular 24-year-old footballer, who died on August 6 2017 after being knifed in the chest in the old Chicago’s nightspot in Stourbridge.
Friends and family of Wren’s Nest FC midfielder Ryan, whose killer has never been brought to justice, hope there will be another large turnout for the event which will see bikers doing laps around Stourbridge ring road on the morning of Saturday August 3.
Motorcyclists are expected to arrive in Stourbridge at 11am and they will undertake five laps around the ring road before riding down the town’s high street past the old Chicago’s venue to pay their respects to Ryan.
Jason Connon, of the Justice For Ryan campaign, urged people to come out and show their support for Ryan’s family.
He said: “August 6 this year will be seven years since Ryan tragically lost his life due to being stabbed. Unbelievably, Ryan’s parents are still fighting for justice for their beloved son and regularly meet with detectives from West Midlands Police who are currently re- investigating Ryan's murder.
“No parent should have to go through what Ryan’s parents are currently going through. Justice needs to be done!”
West Midlands Police plan to release a new video appeal to the public to mark the anniversary.
The force has been reinvestigating Ryan’s death since July 2023 after a comprehensive review of the case was carried out by West Yorkshire Police, with 18 recommendations made.
Kobe Murray from Dudley was originally accused of murdering Ryan but Murray, who was 19 at the time of the incident, walked free in February 2018 after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court in which he was cleared of murder and manslaughter charges in what was subsequently described as a ‘perverse acquittal’.
Ryan’s family have been chasing justice ever since. They have been working with a private detective and took Murray, who admitted in court that he stabbed out at Ryan, to the civil court which ruled relatives had the right to seek damages for the wrongful death of Ryan under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. The family were awarded £10,000 in damages and Murray, who changed his name to Kareem Gayle was issued a £12,000 bill for court costs.
The win was a small victory for the family who have also been campaigning for a change in the law in cases where a jury verdict is considered ‘perverse’ and contradicts the evidence presented in court.
In addition to the legal fight, Ryan’s dad Ade, mum Gill Taylor and step-dad Phil Taylor have endeavoured to keep Ryan’s memory alive through a series of public events including the annual Ride for Justice.
The event is organised by family friend John Hill of The Widders Pub in Barrack Lane, Cradley, where a fun day with food, live music and a bouncy castle will also take place throughout the day.
Jason said: “Every year he supports us in remembering Ryan and our campaign.”
The ride will see bikers set off at 10.45am from The Widders pub in Cradley, taking in Stourbridge, before heading out to the Quatt Café in Bridgnorth and back to the pub for the family fun day which helps to raise funds for the Justice For Ryan campaign.
Jason said: “Funds are still very much needed and without the public’s help we wouldn’t have been able to do what we have done.
“We’d like to thank the whole of the community for continuing to support us seven years on.
“We’re confident that justice will be delivered.”
Ryan’s dad Ade, aged 61, told the News the Ride for Justice is always “emotional” for the family and he thanked organiser John Hill – saying: “He does an amazing job; long may it continue until we get justice.
“We want to thank the public and close family and friends who support our campaign.
“We’re still fighting; we’re still on this long journey – but we’re very close now.”
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