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Ched Evans outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London
Ched Evans outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London. Photograph: James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock
Ched Evans outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London. Photograph: James Gourley/REX/Shutterstock

Ched Evans rape conviction appeal is heard by judges

This article is more than 8 years old

Three appeal court judges consider safety of former Sheffield United footballer’s conviction for raping 19-year-old woman

Former Sheffield United footballer Ched Evans has appeared in court with members of his family and supporters to hear a challenge to his conviction for raping a 19-year-old woman.

The Welsh footballer appeared dressed in a black suit and sat in the public gallery between his grandmother and girlfriend, Natasha Massey, at the court of appeal in London for the proceedings.

His case was referred to the court by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates possible miscarriages of justice.

However, details of the legal argument heard on Tuesday cannot currently be reported following an order by the court.

The CCRC announced last October that new evidence had emerged in the case after a 10-month investigation by the commission.

Evans was convicted in April 2012 when a jury found him guilty at Caernarfon crown court of raping the woman at a hotel in Rhyl.

Evans, now 27, was released from prison in 2014 after serving half of his five-year sentence.

Lady Justice Hallett, Mr Justice Flaux and Sir David Maddison are considering the safety of his conviction.

They will hear submissions from Kieran Vaughan QC, for Evans, and from Eleanor Laws QC, for the crown. The case is expected to be heard over two days.

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