Soccer star jailed for raping teenager
Welsh soccer star Ched Evans was jailed for five years yesterday for raping a teenager as a pal tried to film the attack on a mobile phone.
The Sheffield United and Wales striker looked stunned when the guilty verdict was read out.
Both Evans, 23, and his best friend and fellow footballer Clayton McDonald admitted having sex with the 19-year-old girl in a hotel room — but claimed it was consensual.
A jury heard the girl was too drunk to consent after downing double vodkas and lemonade, sambuca and wine.
Port Vale defender McDonald, 23, was cleared of rape. He and Evans were on a night out in Rhyl, North Wales, with friends.
CCTV showed the victim approach McDonald and they took a taxi to a Premier Inn in Rhuddlan. They were having sex in a room when Evans arrived. The men said the girl agreed to Evans joining in.
Evans told Caernarfon Crown Court: “She was not very drunk. She was in control.” His brother and a pal watched through a window and tried to film.
The two footballers later left and the girl woke up next morning to find herself naked and alone in the hotel bedroom.
She later told police: “It is just horrible because I don’t know how I got there.” After McDonald was cleared, Evans wept hysterically as he awaited his fate.
He appeared shocked at the verdict and threw his courtroom headphones on the floor.
Shouts of “no, no” could be heard from outside the court when the decision was relayed to family and friends.
Judge Merfyn Hughes QC told Evans: “She was in no condition to have intercourse. You must have realised that. You have thrown away a successful career.”
Senior Crown Prosecutor Nita Dowell said after the verdict: “It is a myth that being vulnerable through alcohol consumption means that a victim is somehow responsible for being raped.
“The law is clear — being vulnerable through drink or drugs does not imply consent.”
League One United bought Evans from Manchester City for £3million in 2009. He has played for Wales 13 times.
He may now appeal the conviction. - www.thesun.co.uk
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