Belfast Giants sign new contracts with Odyssey Trust

PLAYERS and staff of the Belfast Giants have walked away from their contracts after it emerged the American businessman due to become the team’s owner was a registered sex offender.

Last month it was announced that US businessman Christopher Knight had bought a majority shareholding in the ice hockey team.

But now it has been revealed that the 39-year-old is a registered sex offender in Florida.

Now legal moves have been initiated to prevent Knight from becoming the new owner of the team who play their home games at the Odyssey Arena.

The Belfast Giants are currently third in the Elite League.

Knight, whose address is given on the Florida Department of Law enforcement website as West Sussex in England, was charged in 2003 with Lewd or Lascivious Battery.

This means he is alleged to have engaged in sexual activity with a person aged between 12 and 15, and he remains on the sex offenders register.

It is understood the players and staff walked away from their contracts last week.

Registered sex offender Christopher Charles Knight

On Monday, they signed new contracts to be paid for by the Odyssey Trust, a charitable company that oversees the Odyssey Arena, meaning the Giants will 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.”