Hundreds of bikers turn out for second Justice for Ryan ride

The 24-year-old died from a knife wound after an argument broke out in Chicagos nightclub, in Stourbridge, in August 2017.

In February 2018, Kobe Murray was found not guilty of the murder and manslaughter of Ryan following a two-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Mr Murray admitted stabbing Ryan, but said it was an accident.

Ryan's family and friends set up the Justice for Ryan campaign – calling for a change in the law.

The family want juries to give reasons on how they have reached their decisions so they can be challenged and families be given the right to appeal against acquittals that are considered "perverse" in serious criminal cases.

Bikers of all ages met at The Widders in Halesowen on Sunday and took part in the ride to Bridgnorth and back.

Now his family have appointed a barrister, private investigator and money raised from the event will go towards legal costs.

Ryan's mother, Gill Taylor, started to break down in tears as she described the "overwhelming support" the family has received.

She said: "It's really overwhelming, when I talk about it I get emotional.

"There are so many people who have turned up and donated raffle prizes.

"The community is absolutely marvellous, every event has had a great outcome."

Mrs Taylor added: "We can't seem to get on with our lives until we get justice.

"Events like this keep me busy and distract me from thinking about things."

Jason Connon, spokesman for Justice for Ryan, said almost £30,000 has been raised so far.

He said: "Today we're still fighting, all the funds are going towards the family's legal costs.

"We've instructed a barrister to work to get a change in the law.

"We met with Sajid Javid a couple of months ago and we're in talks with the Home Office now.

"We've also employed a private investigator to look into things."

As part of the fundraising bike ride, a West Coast Chopper motorbike worth £20,000 was auctioned off.

Organiser of the event and owner of the pub, John Hill, said: "We've been doing charity events for six years and this year it's the second ride for Justice for Ryan.

"I've known the family for 45 years.

"Last year we raised more than £2,500 and 200 people took part so we're aiming to beat it and raise even more.

"Ryan's cousin Kia Passey donated his own bike worth £20,000 for the raffle.

"All the proceeds are going to the Justice for Ryan campaign.

"Bikers have got big hearts, they'll help to raise money for any event.

"I've done fundraisers for cancer, for children's charities and even funerals.

"We asked all riders to donate and charged people £10 per stall."

Ryan lived in Brierley Hill. He was a keen football player who also ran his own window cleaning business.

Following his death, hundreds of people turned out at his funeral at St James’s Church in Wollaston, Stourbridge.

The family have also launched a petition backing their campaign, which has so far reached more than 44,000 signatures.

To view the petition, visit change.org/p/justice-for-ryan-ryan-s-law