Matt Petgrave manslaughter charges: Could Steelers player receive jail-time for Adam Johnson's death?

The recent tragic incident that resulted in the death of Adam Johnson has ignited debate over whether the other player involved, Matt Petgrave, should face criminal charges for his role in the event.

The incident took place during a game in England when Johnson, a former NHL forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, suffered a fatal injury. Johnson's neck was slashed by Matt Petgrave's skate blade in a freak accident.

The unfortunate incident unfolded during a game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers, with approximately 8,000 spectators in attendance.

In the 35th minute of the game, Johnson fell to the ice following a collision with Petgrave. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, Johnson tragically lost his life as a result of the severe injury.

The incident has sparked discussions surrounding potential legal repercussions, specifically whether Petgrave could face manslaughter charges. Legal experts have weighed in on the matter, expressing doubts about the likelihood of such charges being brought against him.

In a discussion with Newsweek, Professor Nicola Lacey, specializing in law, gender and social policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), said:

"From what I have read on the news, it seems very unlikely the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] would prosecute: for manslaughter you need either gross negligence — a really large departure from normal standards of care such as to justify criminal liability; or an unlawful and dangerous act — the latter only likely if for example there had been a pretty flagrant breach of the sport's rules."

She added:

"If it was really a 'freak accident,' neither of those tests would be met; and the CPS can only prosecute where there is a realistic chance of conviction."

Jeremy Horder, another expert from LSE, explained that injuries arising from ordinary lawful sporting contests generally fall within the realm of "ordinary contact" and do not typically result in legal liability.

"Essentially, the position is that injuries caused in the course of an ordinary lawful sporting contest are within the bounds of 'ordinary contact' and hence do not give rise to liability, even when, for example, they contravene a rule of the game by amounting to a foul or violent conduct," Horder said.

"However, very extreme recklessness, for example wearing deliberately extra sharpened boots, or something, or a deliberately inflicted injury of a serious kind might fall outside this exception, and fall to be dealt with like any other assault leading to a death. I am not aware that anything of this nature was involved in this case."

South Yorkshire Police make arrest in regard to Adam Johnson and Matt Petgrave's collision

South Yorkshire Police in England recently made an arrest in connection with the death of former Pittsburgh Penguins player Adam Johnson. The 29-year-old hockey player suffered a fatal injury on October 28 when his throat was slashed by the skate of an opposing player during a game between the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers in the Elite Ice Hockey League. Their statement read,

“Detectives have today (Tuesday 14 November) arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter. He remains in police custody at this time."

As of now, the identity of the person arrested has not been made public by the police department.