Giants Walk Out Over Owner Controversy

Players and staff at ice hockey team the Belfast Giants have abandoned their contracts after it emerged that the new owner was a registered sex offender.

39-year-old US businessman Christopher Knight was revealed in January to have bought a majority stake in the team.

But it has now emerged he is a registered sex offender in Florida.

Mr Knight's address is given as West Sussex in England. He was charged in 2003 with Lewd or Lascivious Battery, according to BBC news. This means he allegedly has engaged in sexual activity with a person aged between 12 and 15.

The revelation is reported to be what caused the Giants players and staff to abandon their contracts last week.

But on Monday new contracts were signed, to be paid for by the Odyssey Trust; a charitable company that oversees the Odyssey Arena, the Giants' stadium.

The team will now be able to fulfil their remaining fixtures.

Trust chairman Brian Burke said: "This has not been an easy period for the Belfast Giants but it is highly commendable that the players, who were without contracts, fulfilled their commitment to the team's two games this past weekend including helping to raise money for the team's nominated charity at the match on Friday evening.

"We would also like to assure the loyal Belfast Giants fans that we are committed to protecting the excellent reputation and long-term future of the team."

(IT)