New Evidence Found: Ched Evans’ Rape Conviction under Review
Ched Evans, the former Sheffield United striker who was imprisoned for rape in 2012, is today to have his conviction reviewed by Appeal Court judges.
Evans was found guilty of raping a 19 year old woman at a hotel in Rhyl, Wales and was convicted in April 2012. He was released in October 2014, after serving half of his 5 year sentence.
The 27 year old former Welsh international admitted having sex with the woman, however he has always maintained his innocence, claiming the encounter was consensual.
CCRC Investigation & Appeal
After a 10-month investigation by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), responsible for investigating possible miscarriages of justice, it was revealed in October 2015 that new evidence had surfaced. Following the announcement of the new evidence, which the CCRC said ‘raises a real possibility the Court of Appeal may now quash the conviction’, Evans’ case was referred to the Court of Appeal.
During a two day hearing at the Court of Appeal in London, Lady Justice Hallett, Mr Justice Flaux and Sir David Maddison will review the case and make the decision to uphold Evans’ conviction, quash his conviction or demand a retrial.
Their decision will be made following submissions from Kieran Vaughan QC, for Evans, and also from Eleanor Laws QC, for the Crown. The victim will also have had to provide the CCRC with a new statement. According to reports, details of the legal argument cannot currently be reported.
Following the announcement of the decision to review Evans’ conviction, CCRC chair Richard Foster said:
‘The decision of the commission is not a judgment on guilt or innocence in relation to Ched Evans, nor is it a judgment about the honesty or integrity of the victim or any other person involved in the case.
‘Our role is to consider applications to see if, in our judgment, there is any basis on which to ask the court to hear a fresh appeal – that is our statutory responsibility.
‘In this case we have identified new material which was not considered by the jury at trial and which, in our view, might have assisted the defence.
‘In those circumstances, it is right and proper for the matter to be before the court so that they can decide whether or not the new information should affect the verdict in this case.’
Following his conviction, Sheffield United FC terminated Evans’ contract and he has not played professional football since his release from prison in 2014. He was initially offered to train with his former club; however Sheffield withdrew their offer after major backlash from supporters all over the UK. This included Olympian and lifelong fan of the club, Jessica Ennis-Hill, who said that her name would have to be removed from their stand if Evans returned.
The hearing continues.
Sexual Abuse – Expert Advice
Hampson Hughes Solicitors specialises in directing sexual abuse claims in a considerate and compassionate manner. Our Abuse & Criminal Injuries Department is headed by Greg Neill – Greg is a member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL).
For an open and friendly conversation about your situation, and to find out how we can assist you relevant to your individual experience, call 0800 888 6 888 or email
You will be given the direct-dial of your case handler, meaning that you will always be able to reach the person you need.
Source: Mail Online