A Czech court acquitted the frontman of US heavy metal band Lamb of God of manslaughter charges yesterday over the death of a fan who was pushed off the stage at a concert in Prague.
The prosecution accused Randy Blythe (42) of shoving 19-year-old fan Daniel Nosek off the stage at the 2010 concert, causing him to hit his head when he crashed onto the floor. Nosek died in hospital a few weeks later from his head injury.
Presiding judge Tomas Kubec ruled that Blythe’s actions did not constitute the crime of causing an injury leading to death. “We did not find criminal responsibility in the actions of the defendant. We found moral responsibility.”
Mr Kubec said the concert promoters were ultimately to blame for failing to prevent fans from clambering onto the stage. Prosecutors appealed against the acquittal.
"I have been found not guilty and acquitted of all charges against me. I am a free man," Blythe said in a post on his Instagram.comprofile. "Please remember the family of Daniel Nosek in your thoughts and prayers in this difficult time." – (Reuters)