UK Cops Charge All-rounder Ben Stokes For Bristol Bar Brawl

Ben Stokes was involved in a brawl outside a bar in Bristol on 25 September.

Ben Stokes is set to return to competitive cricket as early as Sunday.

(Photo: Reuters)

England cricketer Ben Stokes has been charged with affray following an incident in the city of Bristol last September, the Crown Prosecution Service said on Monday.

The confrontation left a man with a fractured eye socket and saw Stokes suspended from international cricket until "further notice" by the England and Wales Cricket Board, meaning he missed the Ashes series in Australia.

The Crown Prosecution Service says Stokes, Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale will appear in court in Bristol, southwest England, at a date yet to be determined.

After the announcement, Stokes issued a statement thanking those who had continued to support him.

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 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.

Ben Stokes’ Statement

What is ‘Affray’?

Affray is a specific crime under the Public Order Act in England and Wales.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, someone commits the offence when a person has used or threatened: unlawful violence; towards another; and his conduct is such as would cause; a person of reasonable firmness; present at the scene; to fear for his personal safety. The seriousness of the offence lies in the effect that the behaviour of the accused has on members of the public who may have been put in fear. There must be some conduct, beyond the use of words, which is threatening and directed towards a person or persons. Mere words are not enough.

CPS’s Statement

The Crown Prosecution Service said in a statement: "The CPS was passed a file of evidence by Avon & Somerset Police on 29 November, 2017 in relation to an incident of disorder in Bristol city centre.

"Further material was subsequently received in 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."

Avon and Somerset Police added in a statement: "Three men have today been charged in connection with an incident of disorder on Queens Road, Bristol on September 25 last year.

"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."

Stokes was named last week in England's Twenty20 squad for a Tri-series against Australia and New Zealand next month but his participation was dependent on whether he was charged. He did play in six domestic matches in New Zealand in December. He however has been cleared to play the IPL this year.