Ben Stokes eager to 'clear his name' after being charged in Bristol brawl

England all-rounder Ben Stokes was charged with an affray by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over his involvement in Bristol brawl on Monday. The incident had taken place in September last year when he was arrested after an ugly brawl outside the bar in Bristol in the middle of an ODI series against Windies. He was suspended by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) since then. However, Ben Stokes has cleared now that he is eager to clear his name from the incident after being charged by CPS.

Soon after the statement was released by CPS, ECB released an official presser stating that the availability of the all-rounder will be convened in the next 48 hours. Stokes, along with the two other charged, will now have to appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court. The date for the same is yet to be fixed as the number of trials will take place regarding the case now.

I have cooperated police from day 1

Ben Stokes has released a statement on Twitter thanked all his fans, family and friends who supported him during this tough period and cleared that he wants to clear his name from this case. He also pointed out the fact that he cooperated Avon and Somerset police in the investigation from day 1. The all-rounder believes that he will be given a chance to put his case in front of the people and is confident of getting cleared from the case.

His statement read, “I want to thank all those who have continued to support me in relation to the Bristol incident, not least my family, friends, fans and teammates. I gave a full and detailed account of my actions to the police on day one – the same day as the incident – and have co-operated 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.”

It remains to be seen now if ECB allows him to play for England until the trials are completed regarding the case. The future of the cricketer is surely under the cloud.

My statement on Bristol ⤵️…? pic.twitter.com/xSStYeWPbJ

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 15, 2018

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