Image copyright
Getty Images

England cricketer Ben Stokes has pleaded not guilty after being accused of fighting outside a Bristol nightclub in September.

The 26-year-old Durham all-rounder is charged with affray after a man allegedly suffered a broken eye socket.

At Bristol Crown Court on Monday, Mr Stokes denied the charges via video link from New Zealand where he is on duty with the England squad.

Mr Stokes is accused jointly with Ryan Hale and Ryan Aslam Ali.

Mr Hale, 26, and 28-year-old Mr Ali, both from Bristol, also deny the same charge of affray.

The trial date has been set for 6 August and the three defendants were granted unconditional bail.

Mr Stokes, Mr Hale and Mr Ali were detained early on 25 September following a disturbance in the Clifton Triangle area of the city – several hours after England had played a one-day international against the West Indies.

What is affray?

The charge of affray is made under the Public Order Act 1986 and effectively relates to fighting in public.

It is a triable either-way offence, which means it can be heard in either the magistrates’ court or the crown court.

It carries a maximum penalty when tried summarily – in the magistrates’ court – of a fine or up to six months in prison, and when tried on indictment – in the crown court – of up to three years in prison.

As a result of the charge, Mr Stokes missed the Ashes series, which hosts Australia won 4-0, although he was allowed to play some domestic matches in New Zealand.

England declared him available once more after he indicated a plea of not guilty at Bristol Magistrates’ Court in February.

Image copyright
Getty Images

England are due to play the first test match of a five-game series against India at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham between 1-5 August, with Mr Stokes’s trial due to start a day later.

The trial is expected to last between five and seven days, which means there is a risk Mr Stokes could miss the second test which starts at Lord’s Cricket Ground on 9 August.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said: “We fully respect the legal process and the player’s right to defend himself against the charge.”

In January the ECB said that, “given the potential length of time to trial”, it would not be “fair, reasonable or proportionate for Ben Stokes to remain unavailable for a further indeterminate period”.

LIONS and Wales legend Shane Williams will appear in court next month after being charged with affray.

The 40-year-old has been charged with five other men relating to an incident in Cardiff city centre last year at Coyote Ugly Nightclub.

AFP

Reuters

Among those accused of the nightclub brawl with four bouncers is Williams’ younger brother Dean, 37.

The 2008 World Rugby Player of the Year is believed to have been on a night out after watching Wales play South Africa in December.

A South Wales Police spokesperson: “Six men have been charged with affray following an incident on Great Western Lane, Cardiff, on December 2, 2017.”

Williams was arrested and bailed by police, and will join the five other men at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on March 9.

AP:Associated Press

Getty – Contributor

The Ospreys hero is considered a legend amongst the eyes of Welsh fans, and is their all-time record try scorer with 58 tries in 87 games.

He also enjoyed three tours with the British and Irish Lions, including coming out of retirement in 2013 to cover an injury shortage.

---

RUGBY TRAGEDY Ian Williams dead at age 27: Doncaster rugby union ace tragically collapses in training

---

Williams has been working for ITV for the 2018 Six Nations as a pundit, whilst he also commentated on his country’s defeat against England.