Footballer Ched Evans, who had been accused of rape after what he claims was a threesome in a Premier Inn in North Wales, has been cleared of the charge after being found not guilty at Cardiff Crown Court.
Evans and his then-girlfriend, now-fiancée’s family had fought to clear the former Wales player’s name after he struggled to find a job in the Premier League following his conviction for rape in 2011 and five-year sentence, of which he served two and a half years.
The jury reached its verdict after a two-week re-trial which contained evidence from two witnesses who were not present at the night of the incident in question, reports the Guardian.
These witnesses had each sex with the woman at separate times, before and after the incident. The positions the woman had used during these consensual encounters were discussed in court and compared to the positions Evans had stated she had used during the night of the incident. The use of previous sexual behaviour as evidence in a rape case was allowed by judges at Evans’ appeal hearing earlier this year, who claimed that the behaviours were so similar that they could reasonably be considered as not coincidental.
Both witnesses came forward after Evans’ supporters offered £50,000 as a reward for anyone who could come forward with evidence leading to his acquittal. Both men denied having received any the payment for their evidence.
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The National Rape Crisis Helpline is open daily on 0808 802 9999 from 12 noon – 2.30pm and 7 – 9.30pm and also 3 - 5.30pm on weekdays
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.