Two men found guilty of manslaughter of former FC Halifax Town footballer Jordan Sinnott

Mr Sinnott, 25, died in hospital after being punched a number of times and knocked to the floor in a brutal assault in Retford in the early hours of Saturday 25 January.

Nottinghamshire Police has released CCTV footage showing the final moments before Mr Sinnott was fatally attacked, which shows him and two friends walking to Retford Market Place, followed by the two men convicted of his manslaughter and another man convicted of affray in connection with the incident.

Kai Denovan, 22, of Collins Walk, Retford, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, affray and common assault but was found guilty on all three counts today (28 July) following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.

Cameron Matthews, 21, of Denman Close in Retford, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at a hearing on 6 July after CCTV showed him striking the Matlock Town player.

A third man, Sean Nicholson, 22, of Beechways, Retford, pleaded guilty to affray following Mr Sinnott’s death at a hearing on 2 March. He was released on bail and will be sentenced now the case is complete.

Mr Sinnott was out with two friends on the night of the tragic incident - when he first came across Cameron Matthews, Kai Denovan and Sean Nicholson inside a pub in Churchgate, Retford.

There was a disagreement before Denovan punched Mr Sinnott twice. The two groups then went their separate ways, with Mr Sinnott and his friends leaving the pub and heading towards Retford’s Market Place.

Denovan and Matthews also left the pub and walked towards the Market Place, with Nicholson following behind. Once Matthews and Denovan caught up with Mr Sinnott, Denovan again punched Mr Sinnott before Matthews went on to punch him more than once, knocking him to the floor and causing fatal injuries.

Police were called to the scene as ambulance crews were attempting to treat Mr Sinnott, a footballer with Matlock Town Football Club, after he was found unconscious following an incident at around 2am.

Mr Sinnott died in hospital just before 6pm on Saturday 25 January, surrounded by his family.

Nottinghamshire Police launched an investigation with a team of detectives working tirelessly to see justice was done. It involved speaking to dozens of witnesses, trawling through hours of CCTV footage and investigating a number of forensic opportunities.

News of Mr Sinnott’s death was met by a wave of support from the football community, with clubs from the UK and abroad donating over 800 football shirts to be displayed at his funeral and later auctioned for charity.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Routledge, who led the investigation, said: “Jordan was a talented and loved young man who had many promising years ahead of him.

“Matthews’ and Denovan’s actions in the early hours of 25 January cruelly took that future away from Jordan and changed his family’s lives forever. The response to Jordan’s death showed just how much he meant to those who knew him.

“I have been astounded by the courage, strength and integrity of Jordan’s family and friends throughout. They have inspired us all during many the long hours of this large and complex investigation.

“Nottinghamshire Police was tireless in conducting this large and complex investigation, and we were determined to hold Matthews and Denovan responsible for their actions. This meticulous work, including speaking to dozens of witnesses and trawling through hours of CCTV, has led to them being brought to justice.

“Life will never be the same for Jordan’s family, but I hope they will get some comfort from justice being served.”

All three men will be sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday 31 July.