Worcestershire all-rounder Alex Hepburn charged with rape

Worcestershire cricket hasn’t had the best of times in the recent past after a couple of its members got themselves tangled in a heinous crime of rape charges. Alex Hepburn, 21-year all-rounder and Steve Rhodes, director of cricket have been alleged with involvement in a couple of rape attempts. In a recent turn of events, the county have confirmed that Alex Hepburn has been accused of two counts of rape attempts.

A report released by the county read: “Worcestershire CCC can confirm that Alex Hepburn was charged on the 9th November with two counts of rape following an investigation by West Mercia Police into an incident which occurred on Saturday 1st April 2017.

The event is said to have taken place in the month of April. Hepburn was first arrested on April 1. However, he approached Steve Rhodes who agreed to conceal the nuances of the event while the investigation continued. Rhodes was set to lead the England U-19 World Cup in New Zealand in the upcoming year.

Nevertheless, he has now been freed from his duty and has been replaced by Richard Dawson, Gloucestershire head coach. “The ECB can confirm Steve Rhodes will not be travelling to South Africa as head coach to the Young Lions on secondment from Worcestershire,”- an ECB official quoted to ESPNCricinfo.

The official also spoke about the status of Hepburn and Rhodes’ stint in the team. “Hepburn has been suspended on full pay pending further investigation and will next appear at Worcester Magistrates Court on 7th December 2017. As the matter is now subject to criminal proceedings the club is unable to provide any further comment at this stage.” the spokesperson added.

A gentleman’s sport

Cricket is a gentleman’s sport and such shameful and scandalous events mar and tarnish the sanctity of the sport. While the investigation on Hepburn and Rhodes carries on, it will be interesting to see how Worcestershire search for their appropriate replacements. Meanwhile, the U-19 team will be looking to put up a good show under their newly appointed coach.