Family assured Jordan Sinnott manslaughter trial will go ahead

A trial date of July 20 has been fixed

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.

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.

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During a pre-trial hearing on Thursday, 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".

He added: "My only request is if the family of the deceased - who obviously are watching this case with real interest - are to be told this trial has to be relisted, we might do it a little bit of time before, rather than the Friday before."

The judge replied: "I completely understand.

"We should have a better idea within the next four weeks.

"We can make what arrangements we can to distance the parties (in court).

"If necessary, junior counsel could be in a different place, the public gallery could be held from a different court, there's all sorts of possibilities.

"We will do everything we can to accommodate the difficulty that's caused by the coronavirus."

Matthews and Denovan, who are remanded in custody, did not appear for the hearing but were represented by their barristers.

The case was adjourned until June 15 for a further hearing.

A 22-year-old man has already admitted a charge of affray in connection with the incident.