Ben Stokes Writes an Emotional Message After Been Charged for Affray

English all-rounder and arguably the best in the world at the moment Ben Stokes has been charged due to a confrontation with two people outside a Bristol nightclub way back in September. Along with Stokes, the two other men would also be present before the magistrate at a future date. After investigating the incident police sent their findings to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in November.

It was due to the inquiry process that Stokes wasn’t able to take part in the recently concluded Ashes which the visitors ended up losing by a 0-4 margin. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had stated that until the all-rounder is cleared he won’t be considered for national selection without prior notice.

After the charge was made on him Stokes said, “I am keen to have the opportunity to clear my name.” A CPS statement said that it received further materials during late December. “Following a review of all the available evidence, the CPS has today authorised the police to charge three men with affray in connection with the incident,” it said.

“Ben Stokes, 26, Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, are all due to appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on a date to be fixed in relation to this charge.” ECB made it clear that it will decide within the next 48 hours on Stokes’ availability of representing England. Affray is a triable charge either ways which can either be heard at the magistrate’s court or the crown court.

The maximum penalty for this act is a hefty fine or 6 months in prison which goes up to 3 years in prison. In an emotional statement, Stokes wrote following the incident that he has always cooperated with the police from the 1^st Day and despite wanting to clear his name he stated that unless that night can be made public in the court his focus is very much on cricket.

Taking to his twitter handle Stokes wrote, “I want to thank all those who have continued to support me in relation to the Bristol incident not least my family, friends, fans, and teammates. I gave a full and detailed account of my actions to the police on day one-the same day as the incident and have cooperated at each and every step of the police inquiry. I am keen to have an opportunity to clear my name but on the advice, the appropriate time to do this is when the case comes to trial. The CPS’ decision to charge me as well as Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale at least means that my account of what happened that night can come out in court and made public. Until then my focus is very much on cricket.”

https://twitter.com/benstokes38/status/952922187362717698