Ched Evans conviction goes to appeal

FOOTBALLER Ched Evans’s conviction for raping a 19-year-old woman has been referred to the Court of Appeal, reports the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

Evans (26) was released from prison last year after serving half his five-year sentence for raping the woman in a hotel in North Wales. The former Sheffield United and Wales footballer has always maintained his innocence but his attempts to restart his career with Oldham Athletic and his former club collapsed in the face of a public outcry in January.

Evans’s potential move to Latics sparked fury throughout the country with almost 70,000 petitioners declaring their opposition. Sponsors also declared their intention to withdraw support for the club as the saga progressed.

The pressure mounted on the Latics board and the deal between Evans and the club collapsed, with the striker blaming “mob rule”.

The CCRC says the referral has been made on the basis of new information not raised at his trial, which could have added support to Evans’s defence. There is “a real possibility” the Court of Appeal may now quash the conviction, it added.