This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-53566860
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Jordan Sinnott: Man found guilty of killing footballer | |
(32 minutes later) | |
A man has been found guilty of the manslaughter of a footballer who died after being attacked on a night out. | A man has been found guilty of the manslaughter of a footballer who died after being attacked on a night out. |
Jordan Sinnott, 25, was fatally injured in Retford, Nottinghamshire, in a confrontation the prosecution said was "driven" by Kai Denovan. | Jordan Sinnott, 25, was fatally injured in Retford, Nottinghamshire, in a confrontation the prosecution said was "driven" by Kai Denovan. |
The 22-year-old had admitted common assault and affray while giving evidence, but denied manslaughter. | The 22-year-old had admitted common assault and affray while giving evidence, but denied manslaughter. |
But a jury at Nottingham Crown Court unanimously convicted him of manslaughter. | |
The court had heard how the Matlock Town midfielder came across Denovan as he left The Vine pub in Retford, Nottinghamshire, on 25 January. | |
The prosecution said they believed Denovan complained Mr Sinnott was a "good looking lad" whereas he was "fat and ginger". | |
When Mr Sinnott agreed, Denovan, who had drunk five pints of Stella Artois, two pints of Strongbow and three double Southern Comfort and lemonades, punched him. | |
After a scuffle Mr Sinnott and his two friends left and shortly after, so did Denovan and his two friends. | |
On the road outside, Denovan, of Collins Walk in Retford, began to shout abuse at Mr Sinnott's group, who stopped. | |
The trial heard Mr Sinnott put his hands out in what the prosecution described as a "gesture of peace" but Denovan went to punch him. | |
He was pushed off by one of Mr Sinnott's friends and then another of Denovan's group, Cameron Matthews, delivered the fatal blow to Mr Sinnott. | |
The defence accepted Denovan's behaviour was "shameful, angering and stupid" but argued it was not manslaughter, as Matthews acted independently. | |
But prosecution lawyer Michael Auty said Matthews "finished what [Denovan] had started". | |
He added: "This was a joint assault from first to last. If [Denovan] hadn't driven it... then this dreadful tragedy would not have occurred." | |
Matthews, 21, of Denman Close in Retford, has already pleaded guilty to manslaughter. | |
Sean Nicholson 22, of Beechways, Retford, has admitted affray. | |
All three are due to be sentenced on Friday. | |
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. | Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. |