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Mother fights son's murder charge Mother fights son's murder charge
(1 day later)
The mother of a man accused of murdering a burglar in Nottingham has started a campaign calling for the charge to be dropped.The mother of a man accused of murdering a burglar in Nottingham has started a campaign calling for the charge to be dropped.
Omari Roberts, 23, of Heathfield Road, Old Basford, is awaiting trial for the stabbing of burglar Tyler Juett, 17.Omari Roberts, 23, of Heathfield Road, Old Basford, is awaiting trial for the stabbing of burglar Tyler Juett, 17.
His mother Jacqueline McKenzie-Johnson, 47, said the charge was "ludicrous" and claimed her son was defending himself.His mother Jacqueline McKenzie-Johnson, 47, said the charge was "ludicrous" and claimed her son was defending himself.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Mr Roberts' alleged actions were "not reasonable".The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Mr Roberts' alleged actions were "not reasonable".
'Gratuitous force''Gratuitous force'
Mrs McKenzie-Johnson, a manager at Nottingham City Council, said: "The charge my son faces is outrageous.Mrs McKenzie-Johnson, a manager at Nottingham City Council, said: "The charge my son faces is outrageous.
"My understanding of reasonable force, of what the law says, doesn't tally with what the CPS says and so I'm confused. "My understanding of reasonable force, of what the law says, doesn't tally with what the CPS says and so I'm confused."
Mrs McKenzie-Johnson says her son acted in self-defenceMrs McKenzie-Johnson says her son acted in self-defence
"I know it is tragic a young person has lost his life. But it could have been my son and if it wasn't for his actions it would've been my son."
She added: "We want the law to be clarified and I want to try and get the charges dropped.She added: "We want the law to be clarified and I want to try and get the charges dropped.
"The CPS reason for bringing the charge was that gratuitous force was used."The CPS reason for bringing the charge was that gratuitous force was used.
"But when I looked in the dictionary it said gratuitous was unnecessary. "But when I looked in the dictionary it said gratuitous was unnecessary."
"How can the CPS say it is unreasonable to confront somebody threatening your life?"
Mrs McKenzie-Johnson has begun the Safe as Houses campaign, which features an online petition.Mrs McKenzie-Johnson has begun the Safe as Houses campaign, which features an online petition.
Mr Roberts, an apprentice builder, is on conditional bail and due to face trial in April charged with murdering the 17-year-old and wounding a 14-year-old accomplice.Mr Roberts, an apprentice builder, is on conditional bail and due to face trial in April charged with murdering the 17-year-old and wounding a 14-year-old accomplice.
The 14-year-old, who cannot be identified, pleaded guilty to burglary at Nottingham Youth Court on 14 May and was ordered to be detained for two years.The 14-year-old, who cannot be identified, pleaded guilty to burglary at Nottingham Youth Court on 14 May and was ordered to be detained for two years.