Ched Evans Wins Appeal against Rape Conviction

Former Sheffield United footballer Ched Evans has won an appeal against his conviction for rape and now faces a retrial.

2012 Conviction

In 2012 Evans was found guilty of raping a 19 year old woman at a hotel in Rhyl, North Wales. The 27 year old was released from jail two and a half years later.

The ex-Welsh international admitted having sex with the woman, however he has always maintained his innocence, claiming the encounter was consensual.

Following a ten 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.

Retrial

Lady Justice Hallet today announced that Evans’ conviction had been quashed, however he now faces a new trial and the case will be sent back to a Crown Court.

According to the judge, she and her fellow judges heard ‘fresh evidence’ during the appeal hearing last month. Lady Justice Hallet said:

‘In summary, we have concluded that we must allow the appeal and that it is in the interests of justice to order a retrial.’

She added:

‘The appellant will be retried on the allegation of rape.’

Details of the grounds of appeal cannot be reported for legal reasons.

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: Guardian; Daily Mail; Daily Mail