Cricket star Stokes to stand trial over nightclub ‘affray’

ENGLAND cricketer Ben Stokes is to stand trial over an alleged fracas outside a nightclub.

The all-rounder and two other men yesterday pleaded not guilty to affray during a 15-minute hearing at Bristol Crown Court.

Stokes, 26, appeared via video link from New Zealand where he is with the England team.

He said “Hi judge” when introduced to Judge Peter Blair, and spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality.

Stokes, from Castle Eden, Durham, said “thank you” when the hearing concluded. The other defendants, Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, both of Bristol, appeared in person.

Judge Blair set a date of August 6 for the trial, which is set to last for five to seven days. He told them: “You must be here without fail. You will remain on bail as before.”

They were ordered to provide defence statements by May 22 and the judge said the courtroom for the trial must be equipped to play CCTV footage.

The case will be prosecuted by Lucy Organ, with Gordon Cole defending Stokes.

Stokes missed the Ashes after being suspended. Without him, England lost to Australia 4-0. Team bosses allowed Stokes was on video link from New Zealand Stokes to play again only after he pleaded not guilty to magistrates last month. The England and Wales Cricket Board announced that he would travel to New Zealand to join the squad after the court hearing. Stokes, Ali and Hale are charged with affray in the Clifton Triangle area of Bristol on September 25 last year after England played a one-day international against the West Indies. The charge states their “conduct was such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present to fear for his personal safety”.