Trial over footballer’s death should go ahead, family told
A NON-LEAGUE footballer’s family have been assured “everything” will be done to make sure the trial of two men accused over his death starts on schedule, amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Matlock Town FC midfielder Jordan Sinnott died in hospital on January 25 after suffering a suspected fractured skull in an alleged assault in the centre of Retford, Nottinghamshire, at about 2am.
Cameron Matthews, 21, of Denman Close, and Kai Denovan, 22, of Collins Walk, both Retford, are accused of manslaughter, affray and common assault.
Police were called to help ambulance crews after 25-year-old Mr Sinnott was found unconscious in Market Place. He died later
in hospital. A trial date of July 20 has already been fixed at Nottingham Crown Court.
During a pre-trial hearing, Judge John Burgess said the court would do all it could to accommodate the trial, given the continuing prospect of Covid-19 restrictions. The judge said he was “hopeful” the trial date could be maintained, amid concern that pandemic control measures might alter the timetable.
He added: “It was my concern and I asked if we had any idea at the moment of when we would be able to do a trial like this.
“I was told it was not possible to give dates but we did still hope that this case can maintain its trial date.”
Michael Auty QC, prosecuting, said his concern was that measures like continuing furlough arrangements, might throw up problems, “potentially with jurors”.
The case was adjourned until June 15 for a further hearing. A 22-year-old man has already admitted a charge of affray.