Jordan Sinnott: Man found guilty of killing footballer

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.

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 Denovan complained to Mr Sinnott that the player was a "good looking lad" whereas he was "fat and ginger".

They said Mr Sinnott agreed, believing he was joining in a joke.

But 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, Retford, began to shout abuse at Mr Sinnott's group, who stopped, the jury was told.

They also 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."

Mr Sinnott was taken to hospital but died the same day of brain injuries.

After his death, his family appealed for football shirts with "Sinnott 25" on the back, and teams from around the world sent more than 800.

They were displayed at his funeral, and then sold to raise money for charity.

Matthews, 21, of Denman Close in Retford, had already pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Sean Nicholson 22, of Beechways, Retford, admitted affray.

All three are due to be sentenced on Friday.

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