Great Britain: EIHL player Matt Petgrave arrested for on-ice death of Adam Johnson on suspicion of manslaughter

[Hellcat]

In late October, former NHLer Adam Johnson died as a result of a skate cutting his throat during an EIHL game while playing for the Nottingham Panthers. Less than three weeks later, British police have made an arrest. Matt Petgrave, the Sheffield Steelers player whose skate cut Johnson, has been taken into custody and charged with manslaughter.

BREAKING — British Police have arrested Hockey player Matt Petgrave and charged with him with manslaughter in death of Adam Johnson — developing
— Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) November 14, 2023



The tragic incident occurred the night of Oct. 28 with the Panthers visiting the Steelers. While absorbing a hit, Petgrave’s leg kicked out violently, making contact with Johnson, who wasn’t delivering the hit but was skating nearby. Johnson was rushed off the ice as fans in attendance were evacuated from the arena. Johnson succumbed to the injury in a Sheffield hospital overnight and the Panthers announced his death on Oct. 29.


Social media debate ensued in the days that followed over whether Petgrave had deliberately kicked out his skate while being hit or could have avoid making contact with Johnson. After spending the past few weeks investigating Johnson’s death, the British police evidently saw enough to charge Petgrave with a crime.

“We have been carrying out extensive inquiries to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall of the South Yorkshire Police, per the BBC. “We have been speaking to highly specialised experts in their field to assist in our inquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation.”

The ripple effect since Johnson died has been felt all over the hockey world. The English Ice Hockey Association mandated neck protection beginning Jan. 1. The German League (DEL) followed suit, as did the WHL in Canadian major junior hockey. Countless NHL players have begun donning neckguards in games as well, and the NHL and NHL Players’ Association have made neck protection a priority agenda item to discuss.



Johnson, who passed away at 29 and left behind a fiancée, played 13 games in the NHL and was honored by his former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, with a cheer from the PPG Paints Arena faithful on Oct. 30.

On Sunday, Petgrave returned to game action for the first time since Johnson’s death and received a standing ovation from the Sheffield crowd.

EIHL player Matt Petgrave arrested for on-ice death of Adam Johnson on suspicion of manslaughter

Johnson died after having his throat cut by Petgrave’s skate in an Oct. 28 game.

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[29Beast97Mode]

That's the conclusion most people thought. He obviously didn't mean to kill him but that was reckless.

 

[AHockeyFanatic]

Intentional homicide, hope they lock him up and throw away the key.

 

[UKCanuck96]

Just so people are aware, though I’m sure some won’t care;

Petgrave being arrested is nothing more than a formality. Police in the UK cannot speak to him on record without arresting him. He has not been charged with any offence. He has also since been released on Police Bail, meaning he remains under investigation but is free to continue his life whilst adhering to conditions.

The Police will now continue their investigation and ultimately present the evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service whom will then decide whether the evidence is sufficient to charge him.

Nothing is set in stone with what the outcome may or may not be.

 

[ERYX]

Just so people are aware, though I’m sure some won’t care;

Petgrave being arrested is nothing more than a formality. Police in the UK cannot speak to him on record without arresting him. He has not been charged with any offence. He has also since been released on Police Bail, meaning he remains under investigation but is free to continue his life whilst adhering to conditions.

The Police will now continue their investigation and ultimately present the evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service whom will then decide whether the evidence is sufficient to charge him.

Nothing is set in stone with what the outcome may or may not be.

Thank you for this important context on British law.

In north america, arrested = charged, so when people hear that Petgrave was arrested that means he's been formally charged and will be appearing in court. But from what you've described it's a much different connotation in the UK.

I doubt he is ever charged or made to answer in Court. If he were to be charged, he probably would have been charged already. It seems unlikely to me that more/new evidence will be discovered after this point.

 

[UKCanuck96]

Thank you for this important context on British law.

In north america, arrested = charged, so when people hear that Petgrave was arrested that means he's been formally charged and will be appearing in court. But from what you've described it's a much different connotation in the UK.

I doubt he is ever charged or made to answer in Court. If he were to be charged, he probably would have been charged already. It seems unlikely to me that more/new evidence will be discovered after this point.

Correct, though I didn’t actually realise myself in North America an arrest equates to being charged.

Over here, anyone charged the same day as their arrest is likely to be a serious violent offender or someone who has committed an offence far too serious to be deemed safe to be released.

Typically, for the average offender, they will be arrested, face interview and then be bailed with conditions. Alternatively, the police may opt to release an individual under investigation or release without charge. In the case of bail, the person has conditions to which they must adhere to. Failure to adhere to them would likely lead to a further arrest and potentially straight to court.

Bail periods initially last three months, this can be extended with an authority by a senior ranking officer. Typically, prior to the three month period ending the investigators will submit their case to the Crown Prosecution Service who will then decide whether the evidence is strong enough to charge. If the answer is no, the individual walks away a free man. If yes, they would have to attend a police station to be formally charged. They would then typically be allowed to return home while continuing to stick to bail conditions until their court date.

Court would initially look like an appearance at Magistrates where the offender would state their name, address before a judge and be given a date by which point they must return to court in order to plea. If not guilty, it would be referred to Crown Court for a trial. If guilty, it would be referred to Crown Court for sentencing.

Over here, there are wait times of up to three years before some actually end up in court. Typically within 12 months though. Very slow process so unless Petgrave / the case is formally given ‘no further action’ - it’ll be a long time before we get an outcome.

 

[dortt]

looked deliberate

Murder 2

 

[adsfan]

Correct, though I didn’t actually realise myself in North America an arrest equates to being charged.

Over here, anyone charged the same day as their arrest is likely to be a serious violent offender or someone who has committed an offence far too serious to be deemed safe to be released.

Typically, for the average offender, they will be arrested, face interview and then be bailed with conditions. Alternatively, the police may opt to release an individual under investigation or release without charge. In the case of bail, the person has conditions to which they must adhere to. Failure to adhere to them would likely lead to a further arrest and potentially straight to court.

Bail periods initially last three months, this can be extended with an authority by a senior ranking officer. Typically, prior to the three month period ending the investigators will submit their case to the Crown Prosecution Service who will then decide whether the evidence is strong enough to charge. If the answer is no, the individual walks away a free man. If yes, they would have to attend a police station to be formally charged. They would then typically be allowed to return home while continuing to stick to bail conditions until their court date.

Court would initially look like an appearance at Magistrates where the offender would state their name, address before a judge and be given a date by which point they must return to court in order to plea. If not guilty, it would be referred to Crown Court for a trial. If guilty, it would be referred to Crown Court for sentencing.

Over here, there are wait times of up to three years before some actually end up in court. Typically within 12 months though. Very slow process so unless Petgrave / the case is formally given ‘no further action’ - it’ll be a long time before we get an outcome.

Canada's legal system is closer to the UK's than the US system. While we observe English Common Law, criminal proceedings are a little different. People can be arrested and the police can interview (question) them. However, you can refuse to speak to them and ask for an attorney. Once you have done so, the police must stop all questions. If the charge is serious (felony), the police can hold you for a few days. Misdemeanors usually get bail of lessor amounts, like $1000. The person gets a preliminary hearing (arraignment) before a judge where bail is set or denied. A court date is set for a trial. (The guy in Milwaukee who ran over people at the Waukesha Christmas Parade got out on $500 bail for hitting his pregnant girlfriend with a car. She was bumped, not run over. That practice has been reviewed. He received 6 Life sentences plus 762 consecutive years for his 76 counts.)

We usually have speedy trials in the US, unless it is a murder charge or some complicated financial crime(s). That might take a year or so versus three months for more routine offenses.

I would like to point out that I am not an attorney.