Ben Stokes to appear in Bristol court on February 13

England all-rounder Ben Stokes was charged with affray by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) earlier this week in relation to his involvement in Bristol brawl. Though the all-rounder has been cleared to play for his country by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). He also cleared in his statement soon after being charged that he would like to place his case fairly in the court. However, he will appear in Bristol court along with the two others charged in the same case on February 13.

The date clashes with the upcoming T20 International tri-series involving Australia and New Zealand which commences on February 1. It was being speculated that he will make his international comeback during the second leg of the tournament in the Kiwi nation which also starts on the 13th of the next month. With the court date clashing on the same day, his return will be surely delayed before which he was also likely to play for Canterbury ahead of England’s New Zealand tour.

Avon and Somerset Police confirm the news

Avon and Somerset Police, on Thursday, confirmed the news of Ben Stokes’ appearing before the Magistrates’ court in Bristol on their official Twitter handle. The other two charged men, Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale, have also asked to appear in the court on the same day as the first hearing will take place regarding the case. The tweet read, “The three men charged in connection with a disorder on Queens Road, Bristol on 25 September last year will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 13 February. Ben Stokes, 26, of Durham, Ryan Ali, 28 and Ryan Hale, 26, both of Bristol, have each been charged with affray.”

Recalling the incident

Ben Stokes was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm during the ugly brawl outside the bar in Bristol on September 25 last year. He was later released without any charges imposed on him but was suspended by ECB until further notice. Furthermore, he missed out the flight down under for the Ashes as the investigation was ongoing regarding the same case.

Now that the things are much clear, Stokes might soon feature for England during their New Zealand tour albeit not on February 13.

The three men charged in connection with a disorder on Queens Road, Bristol on 25 September last year will appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court on 13 February.

Ben Stokes, 26, of Durham, Ryan Ali, 28 and Ryan Hale, 26, both of Bristol, have each been charged with affray. pic.twitter.com/P7K6zZTLKj

— Avon&Somerset Police (@ASPolice) January 18, 2018

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