Stokes ‘video’ denial
ENGLAND cricketer Ben Stokes yesterday appeared in a UK court via videolink from New Zealand to deny affray after a street fight.
Pictures of the 26-year-old star were beamed to Bristol Crown Court from the England team hotel 11,500 miles away, where it was 11pm.
Bleary-eyed Stokes smiled briefly as he introduced himself with the words “Hi, judge”.
He pleaded not guilty to causing an affray outside a nightclub in Bristol during the early hours of September 25, 2017, several hours after England had played a one-day match against the West Indies in the city.
A 27-year-old man allegedly suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident.
The case against Stokes and co-accused Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, who denied the same charge, was adjourned for trial until August 6.
The hearing, which is set to last up to seven days, will take place during the second Test at Lords of England’s five-match series against India.