13 November 2023 , 22:02
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The mum of a footballer who died after being punched on a night out has now died herself after battling cancer - four years after her son’s death.
Jordan Sinnott, 25, was killed when he was assaulted by three men on a night out in January 2020. Melanie Tait, Jordan’s heartbroken mum, became chairperson of a charitable trust set up in his name by his fiancée Kelly Bossons. For years, Melanie raised money for the trust which aimed to help disadvantaged youngsters get into sport - even jumping out of a plane earlier this year to fundraise. But the charity has now confirmed that Melanie passed away on the weekend after years fighting cancer.
Jordan's fiancee, Kelly Bossons, found out she was pregnant after his death (Huddersfield Examiner)"It’s with the heaviest of hearts we would like to share the devastating news that yesterday after a long fight with Cancer, our beautiful Melanie has gained her wings,” the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust posted on Facebook. "We are utterly heartbroken and our family ask that privacy is respected during this difficult time. Give Jord a big cuddle from us Mel, we love you both unconditionally. Rest in Peace."
Jordan died on January 25, 2020, while playing for non-league Matlock Town. Kai Denovan, then 22 and Cameron Matthews, then 21, were both convicted of manslaughter for the killing, receiving 11 and eight year prison sentences respectively. A third, Sean Nicholson, pleaded guilty to affray.
Kai Denovan pleaded not guilty to manslaughter but was convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison (Nottinghamshire Police / SWNS)
Cameron Matthews pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was given an eight year prison sentence (Nottinghamshire Police / SWNS)The murder trial heard Denovan had told Jordan he was a “good looking lad” who would have “no trouble pulling girls”. Denovan said this was unlike himself, because he was “fat and ginger”. Jordan thought he was joining in the joke when he said “Yes, I can see that” - but Denovan did not take it well. Intoxicated with five pints of Stella, two pints of Strongbow, and three Southern Comfort and lemonades, Denovan punched Jordan - who left the pub.
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But both continued to strike Jordan before a blow by Matthews sent the semi-pro footballer to the floor - leaving him with a fracture to the skull. Hours later, Jordan tragically died of brain damage, leaving behind his mother, fiancée, and father Lee Sinnott, former Bradford and Crystal Palace footballer. After Jordan died Kelly found out she was pregnant and gave birth to their daughter, Maisie.
CCTV images released by police showed the trio walking moments before fatally attacking Jordan Sinnott (Nottingham Post / BPM Media)Former police detective Melanie revealed in June she had been diagnosed with cancer in August 2022 - and days after took a leap from three kilometres in the air out of a plane to raise money for her son’s cause. “Jordan had an infectious smile and ability to make people laugh,” Melanie once recalled about her son.
"He was just the kindest person who would always go above and beyond to help anybody in need. Jord’s values and love of sport are at the heart of the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust - helping to remove barriers that people may face to participating in sport. Sport brought so much to Jordan’s life and we hope that our charity can do the same for others who may not be as fortunate."