Stokes in court to face affray charge

ENGLAND CRICKETER Ben Stokes, 27, and two friends – Ryan Hale, also 27, and Ryan Ali, 28 – are appearing in Court today to face charges of affray. The charges arise out of an incident in Bristol on 25th September last year.

The Court will hear the details of the charge, made under Section 3(1) and (7) of the Public Order Act 1986, which states that the conduct of the three “was such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety”.

The three were on a night out in the Clifton Triangle part of Bristol. Stokes had been playing in a one day international match against Bristol in the city’s Brightside ground. An incident occurred in which a 27 year old victim is alleged to have been injured, suffering a fractured eye socket. The three have been on bail since being charged last year.

Stokes, who comes from County Durham, was suspended from the England team after being charged, but the suspension was later lifted and he has played in recent Test Matches. The trial is expected to last for at least five days, and Stokes has therefore had to miss the second Test against India, which will start at Lord’s later this week.

•Read more about this story:
Cricketer Ben Stokes in court on affray charge

•Read more sports stories:
MCC v Tower Hamlets exhibition game inspires the kids
Enter the Vitality Big Half 2019!