March 5, 2013 14:29

Lamb Of God frontman Randy Blythe found not guilty in stage invader manslaughter trial

Metal singer acquitted by Czech court

Photo: PA

Lamb Of God frontman Randy Blythe's has today (March 5) been found not guilty in his manslaughter trial.

The news of Blythe's acquittal was revealed by Blythe himself, who posted a picture on Instagram with a caption reading: "I have been found not guilty & acquitted of all charges against me. I am a free man." The picture shows Blythe standing under a sign saying "Just Go Home". The caption continues: "This photo was taken by my friend @aceyslade – it says it all. Please remember the family of Daniel Nosek in your thoughts & prayers in this difficult time. I only wish for them peace. Thank you for your support – Randy".

The metal band's frontman was accused of causing injuries which led to the death of a fan during a gig in Prague in 2010. Blythe denied the charges and pleaded not guilty in court in February 4. He was originally arrested on June 27, 2012 at Prague airport over an incident that took place on May 24, 2010 at the band's show at Club Abaton in Prague. He then spent 38 days behind bars before being released on August 3.

BBC News reports that the presiding judge in the trial had ruled Blythe's actions had not constituted a crime and that prosecutors have now lodged an appeal.

Speaking to KROQ prior to his trial, Blythe said: "I said that I would come back to court today and I did. I do not shy away from responsibility. I’m not a person who runs away from problems. But I do not want to be punished for something I did not do."

According to reports from the 2010 Prague concert, a fan jumped up onstage where a tussle ensued in which the fan, Daniel Nosek, was injured. The victim, who fell from the stage and hit his head on the venue's concrete floor, later died, reportedly as a result of those injuries.

Blythe's manager, Larry Mazer, said in a statement issued in 2012: "We believe that Randy responded professionally to the numerous amount of fans rushing the stage that day, a number of them captured on videos that have been posted on the internet.

“We have testimony from the venue operator that acknowledges lax security and an improper barricade being used that evening. Numerous testimonies from fans also were contradictory as to the actions of the multiple fans that tried to access the stage."

Previously, Blythe had claimed that he was "100 per cent innocent" of the charge and labelled the allegation as "ludicrous", in addition to criticising the US government for failing to warn him that he was going to be arrested. The singer faced up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.

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