Cricketer Stokes to face affray trial after video hearing
ENGLAND CRICKETER Ben Stokes will stand trial this summer on an affray charge after appearing in court yesterday via a video-link from New Zealand.
The all-rounder and two other men pleaded not guilty to the charge during a 15-minute hearing at Bristol Crown Court.
Stokes appeared via a videolink from New Zealand, where he is touring with the England team. The 26-year-old, of Durham, said “hi judge” when he was introduced to Judge Peter Blair QC via the video link. He confirmed his name, date of birth and nationality and said “thank you” when the hearing concluded.
The two other defendants, Ryan Ali, 28, of Bristol, and Ryan Hale, 26, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, appeared in person at the court. Judge Blair said the trial is expected to last between five and seven days and is due to start on August 6.
“You must be here without fail for that trial,” the judge told Stokes, Ali and Hale. “You will remain on bail as before.”
Stokes missed the Ashes after being suspended from playing for England. Without him, England lost the Ashes to Australia 4-0.
England declared Stokes available once more only after he pleaded not guilty at Bristol Magistrates’ Court in February. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced he would travel to New Zealand to join the squad after the court hearing.
Stokes, Ali and Hale are jointly charged with affray in the Clifton Triangle area of Bristol on September 25 last year – several hours after England had played a one-day international against the West Indies. The charge states that their “conduct was such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety”.
A 27-year-old man allegedly suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident, at which fellow England cricketer Alex Hales was also present.