Slipknot 'Angered and Saddened' as Doctor Charged With Manslaughter of Bassist Paul Gray

Heavy metal band Slipknot have responded angrily to news that the doctor of their former bass player has been charged with manslaughter.

Founder member Paul Gray died of an accidental overdose in a hotel room in 2010. Dr Daniel Baldi has now been charged with his manslaughter and the manslaughter of seven others.

Court documents said he had unintentionally caused Gray's death by writing high-dose prescription narcotics to a known drug addict, dating back to December 2005.

Baldi, 50, is also accused of administrating high amounts of painkillers to seven other patients. He pleaded not guilty.

A statement on the band's official website said the news of Baldi's charge has left them "in a state of anger and sadness".

They said: "As the loss of our brother Paul Gray is still very fresh for us in the Slipknot family, this new development has us all in a state of anger and sadness.

"The fact that this person took advantage of our brother's illness while he was in a position to help has outraged everyone in our family.

"We can only hope that justice will be served so this can never happen to anyone else ever again.

"We plan to cooperate as much as we possibly can to ensure this tragedy is never repeated, and to make sure this man pays for what he has done."

Baldi could face up to 16 years in prison if convicted. His lawyer, Guy Cook, said bringing criminal charges was wrong and Baldi would fight them.

Cook said: "It is unprecedented to turn unfortunate deaths or medical results into a crime."