Ben Stokes could face lengthy prison sentence for Bristol brawl
England all-rounder Ben Stokes might have to face a lengthy prison sentence for a brawl outside a Bristol bar in September last year. While investigations were being conducted by the Avon and Somerset Police, Stokes was named and then withdrawn repeatedly from various England squads.
He was first chosen to be England's vice-captain for the Ashes in Australia but then pulled out with the police not having concluded their investigations; post that, he was also named in the limited-overs squads to face Australia, but again withdrawn.
The England Cricket Board (ECB) is expected to meet and take a decision on Stokes' future in the next 48 hours.
A statement from Avon & Somerset reads as follows:
"Three men have today (15/1) been charged in connection with an incident of disorder on Queens Road, Bristol on 25 September 25 last year.
"A thorough investigation was carried out into the incident by Avon and Somerset Poilce before a comprehensive file of evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service on 29 November.
"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."
"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," said a CPS spokesman. "Further material was subsequently received in late December. Following a review of all the available evidence, the CPS has today (Mon, 15 Jan) authorised the police to charge three men with affray in connection to the incident."