SHEFFIELD UNITED STRIKER Ched Evans was jailed for five years today after being found guilty of raping a woman who was “too drunk to consent” to sex.
Port Vale defender Clayton McDonald was found not guilty of the same charge.
The Wales international and McDonald, both 23, had denied the claims.
The court heard that both men admitted they had sex with the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, but the prosecution said she was too drunk to consent. The woman said she has no memory of the incident and believes her drink may have been spiked.
“Ched Evans is shocked and extremely disappointed with the decision reached today by the Jury at Caernarfon Crown Court to convict him of the charge brought against him,” a statement issued on behalf of the footballer, on the Blades’ official website, reads.
“Mr Evans firmly maintains his innocence in this matter and is being advised regarding an appeal of the decision.”
Sheffield United, meanwhile, say they will now ‘consider the matter’.
“The club recognises the seriousness of these events and as such wishes to respond in a responsible way when it has taken sufficient time to consider the matter fully. The club is aware of the statement issued by the legal team representing Ched, which is printed [above]. This is not a statement from, or in co-operation with, SUFC but an independently issued statement from the Brabners Chaffe Street Law Firm, representing Ched.”
- additional reporting AP, more to follow
