Trial over Jordan Sinnott’s death should go ahead, family told

Mr Sinnott died in hospital after he suffered a suspected fractured skull during an alleged assault in the centre of Retford, in Nottinghamshire, at around 2am on January 25.

Cameron Matthews, 21, of Denman Close, Retford, and Kai Denovan, 22, of Collins Walk, Retford, are accused of manslaughter, affray and common assault.

Police were called to help ambulance crews after Mr Sinnott, 25, was found unconscious in Market Place. He died later in hospital.

Mr Sinnott scored 10 goals in 44 appearances during his single season, 2016-17, at The Shay, but was a crucial part of the team as they earned promotion from the National League North under Billy Heath.

A trial date of July 20 has already been fixed at Nottingham Crown Court.

Judge John Burgess said during a pre-trial hearing that the court would do all it could to accommodate the trial, given the restrictions due to COVID-19, and said he was “hopeful” the date of the trial could be maintained.

He said: “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.