Cricketer Ben on affray charge over street fight
ENGLAND cricketer Ben Stokes yesterday vowed to clear his name after he was charged with assault following a fight outside a nightclub. Stokes, 26, was suspended from representing his country at the Ashes tour in the light of the allegation. The Crown Prosecution Service said Stokes and two other men, former soldier Ryan Hale, 26, and security guard Ryan Ali, 28, will appear at Bristol magistrates court. The alleged incident took place early on September 25, hours after England had played a one- day international against the West Indies in the city. Hale is alleged to have suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident in which fellow England cricketer Alex Hales was also present. Stokes was named last week in England’s Twenty20 squad for a tri- series against Australia and New Zealand next month, but his participation was dependent on whether he was charged. The England and Wales Cricket Board last night said it will convene within 48 hours to decide on the player’s availability to compete.
Stokes yesterday thanked family, friends and teammates for their support and vowed to clear his name.
He said: “I gave a full and detailed account of my actions to the police on day one... and have co- operated 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... 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.”
The CPS said a file of evidence from Avon and Somerset Police had been received on November 29 before further material was received in late December.
A spokesman said: “Following a review of all the available evidence, the CPS has today authorised the police to charge three men with affray in connection with the incident.”
The charge of affray is made under the Public Order Act 1986 and effectively relates to fighting in public.
It carries a maximum penalty when tried in front of magistrates of a fine or up to six months in prison, rising to three years at a crown court.
Stokes – England’s highest paid cricketer – was initially named in the Ashes squad but was later suspended.
The Durham all- rounder later flew out to New Zealand to play domestic cricket before returning to Britain.
Three weeks after the alleged incident the father of two married fiancee Clare Ratcliffe in a ceremony attended by teammates at St Mary the Virgin Church in East Brent, near Weston super Mare, Somerset.
Stokes has not since played for England but he competed in six domestic matches in New Zealand last December.
His next cricket may be a return to the Indian Premier League after authorities gave him permission.
He landed a £ 1.7million deal to play in India last year.