Appeal judges to rule in Ched Evans rape conviction case

Footballer Ched Evans is set to find out if he has won a challenge against his conviction for raping a 19-year-old woman.

Three Court of Appeal judges will give their decision on Thursday following appeal proceedings last month.

The former Sheffield United striker and Welsh international was present at the London court for the hearing with girlfriend Natasha Massey by his side.

Lady Justice Hallett, Mr Justice Flaux and Sir David Maddison heard submissions over two days from Kieran Vaughan QC, for Evans, and from Eleanor Laws QC, for the Crown.

At the conclusion of the proceedings they reserved their judgment. They will announce the result of the appeal on Thursday morning.

Evans, now 27, was convicted in April 2012. He was found guilty at Caernarfon Crown Court of raping the woman at a hotel in Rhyl, North Wales.

His conviction was referred to the Court of Appeal for review by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates possible miscarriages of justice.

An order made by the three judges at the start of the appeal remains in place and prevents reporting of the details of the legal argument relating to fresh evidence in the case.

The judges said it could be reported that, if Evans wins his appeal, the prosecution will seek a retrial.