England all rounder Ben Stokes vows to 'clear his name' after late night affray charge
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Loading... - Ken Ma
- 16 Jan 2021
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England all rounder Ben Stokes has vowed to clear his name after being charged with affray following an incident on a street in Bristol last September.
Two others have also been charged over alleged 'disorder', which led to the cricketer not being selected for England's Ashes Tour.
Stokes will appear at Bristol Magistrates at a later date - but has already posted a statement to Twitter thanking supporters and welcoming the chance to clear his name.
A statement by Avon and Somerset Police read: “Three men have today (15/1) been charged in connection with an incident of disorder on Queens Road, Bristol on 25 September last year.
“A thorough investigation was carried out into the incident by Avon and Somerset Police before a comprehensive file of evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service on 29 November.
“Having carefully considered the evidence, the CPS has today authorised Ben Stokes, 26, of Durham, Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, both of Bristol, to each be charged with once count of affray.
“They will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court at a date to be confirmed.
“All those concerned are reminded that criminal proceedings are now live and the defendants have a right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice ongoing proceedings.”
Stokes himself posted a statement on Twitter, thanking his supporters and welcoming the chance to clear his name when the case comes to trial.
"I want to thank all those who have continued to support me in relation to the Bristol incident, not least my family, friends, fans and teammates.
"I gave a full and detailed account of my actions to the police on day one - the same day as the incident - and have cooperated at each step of the police inquiry.
"I am keen to have an opportunity to clear my name but, on advice, the appropriate time to do this is when the case comes to trial.
"The CPS' decision to charge me, as well as Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale, at least means that my account of what happened that night can come out in court and be made public.
"Until then, my focus is very much on cricket."
Police say no action has been taken against a 27-year-old man who previously voluntarily attended a police station for interview.
The charge of affray is made under the Public Order Act 1986 and effectively relates to fighting in public.
It is an triable either-way offence which means it can be heard in either the magistrates' court or the crown court.
It carries a maximum penalty when tried summarily - in the magistrates court - of a fine or up to six months in prison and when tried on indictment - in the crown court - of up to three years in prison.
Without Stokes England lost the Ashes to Australia 4-0.
While England were in Australia Stokes played a few games for Canterbury Kings during a moth-long spell in New Zealand before returning home to England.
His next cricket assignment may be a multi-million pound return to the Indian Premier League after his England employers indicated he will be free to do so if he wishes.
The all-rounder landed himself a £1.7 million deal and starring role with Rising Pune Supergiant last year.
Dawid Malan replaced Stokes on England's one day tour of Australia after the side finally concede their talisman would not be available for the trip.
Malan has already impressed in white ball cricket for England, scoring 78 from 44 balls on T20 debut against South Africa at Cardiff last summer which he thought would be his best route to a sustained international career.
Since then he has been given the chance to show his skill in Test cricket and in Perth he took his chance to the fullest extent by scoring England's first hundred of the current series.
As a man in form and already out here in Australia it makes sense for him to be added to the one day squad which plays the first of five games in Melbourne on January 14th.
The decision to replace Stokes in the one day side with a batsman highlights just how difficult it has been to plug his hole in both sides since his spot in the Test team was taken by bowlers, first by Steven Finn and then Tom Curran.
England claimed the first of the five ODIs, with Jason Roy hitting a stunning 180 against the Australians.
