Lamb of God rocker Randy Blythe has vowed to return to the Czech Republic to clear his name on a charge of manslaughter because he wants to handle the case as a man and fight the accusation "head on".
The heavy metal singer was released from jail in Prague last week (02Aug12) and returned to his U.S. home after spending more than a month behind bars in relation to the death of a fan in 2010.
He is expected to return to the country to face trial at a later date, and Blythe insists he will stand up to the "ludicrous" claims in court so he can protest his innocence with honour, instead of hide out "like a coward".
In a lengthy statement posted online on Monday (06Aug12), the rocker writes, "If it is deemed necessary for me to do so, I will return to Prague to stand trial. While I maintain my innocence 100 per cent, and will do so steadfastly, I will not hide in the United States, safe from extradition and possible prosecution.
"I am charged with maliciously causing severe bodily harm to this young man, resulting in his death. While I consider the charge leveled against me ludicrous and without qualification, my opinion makes no difference in this matter..."
Blythe goes on to express his sympathy for the family of his alleged victim after losing a child himself years ago.
He adds, "This family needs and deserves some real answers, not a media explosion followed by the accused killer of their son hiding like a coward thousands of miles away while they suffer. I am a man. I was raised to face my problems head on. I feel very strongly that as an adult, it would be both irresponsible and immoral for me not to return to Prague if I am summoned. I will act with honor (sic), and I will fight to clear my good name in this matter."
Blythe previously insisted he remembered little about his band's show in the city in 2010, when he allegedly pushed a male fan offstage. The 19 year old reportedly died of a brain haemorrhage several weeks later.