England cricketer Ben Stokes insisted he want to clear his name after he was charged with affray on Monday after an incident outside a Bristol nightclub last September, with the Durham all-rounder ordered to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
Stokes missed the Ashes tour after being arrested while on a night out in Bristol with England teammates and other friends during the one-day series against West Indies.
Stokes was allegedly involved in a street fight that was recorded on camera phone, and a decision was taken by the England and Wales Cricket Board to leave him out of the Ashes series against Australia – which England lost 4-0 – until the matter was closed.
Avon and Somerset Police issued a statement on Monday afternoon to confirm that the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Stokes to be charged with affray, along with two other individuals.
“Three men have today been charged in connection with an incident of disorder on Queens Road, Bristol on 25 September last year,” the statement read.
“A thorough investigation was carried out into the incident by Avon and Somerset Police before a comprehensive file of evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service on 29 November.
“Having carefully considered the evidence, the CPS has today authorised Ben Stokes, 26, of Durham, Ryan Ali, 28 and Ryan Hale, 26, both of Bristol, to each be charged with one count of affray.
“They will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court at a date to be confirmed.
“All those concerned are reminded that criminal proceedings are now live and the defendants have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice ongoing proceedings.”
Stokes was initially named in the England squad for the Ashes, but the ECB announced that he would not be considered for selection “until further notice” following the incident.
Upon being charged, Stokes issued a statement himself to thank those that have supported him during the investigation and insist that he wants to share his side of the incident, but will wait to do so until the court hearing after advice from his legal team.
“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,” Stokes said in a statement posted on Twitter.
“I gave my full and detailed account of my actions to the police on day one – the same day as the incident – and have cooperated at each step of the police inquiry. I am keen to have an opportunity to clear my name but, on 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 be made public. Until then, my focus is very much on cricket.”
The ECB cleared Stokes to play for New Zealand side Canterbury in November, but after playing three one-day games and three T20s, he returned to the United Kingdom to spend Christmas with his family. He has since been given approval to compete in the Indian Premier League, but has been replaced in the England One-Day International squad that is taken on Australia this month by teammate Dawid Malan.
