England: Ched Evans’ rape conviction quashed and retrial ordered

Mr Evans, 27, was imprisoned for the rape of a woman, 19, at a hotel near Rhyl, Denbighshire and was released in October 2014 after serving half of a five year term.

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

Shaun Draycott, his solicitor, said: “Ched Evans is extremely grateful that the Court of Appeal has ruled that his conviction for rape was unsafe and should be quashed.”

Counsel for Mr Evans, Kieran Vaughan QC and Eleanor Laws QC, for the Crown, made submissions before Lady Justice Hallett, Mr Justice Flaux and Sir David Maddison over the course of two days.

Lady Justice Hallett said they heard “fresh evidence” during the appeal hearing.

She 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.”

Quashing his conviction, the court declared: “The appellant will be retried on the allegation of rape.”

Mr Evans and former Port Vale player Clayton McDonald admitted having consensual sex with the woman in May 2011. Mr McDonald was acquitted at the trial.