Five more people have been charged after allegedly posting messages on Twitter or Facebook identifying the victim in the rape case which led to the conviction of footballer Chedwyn (Ched) Evans. The number of defendants charged in relation to the matter now stands at nine.
Jim Brisbane, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Cymru-Wales, said:
“Further evidential reviews have led us to conclude that there is sufficient evidence to charge a further five people with the offence of publishing a matter likely to lead members of the public to identify the complainant in a rape case, contrary to the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 1992. As with the previous charges in this matter, the Attorney General has granted consent to these prosecutions.
“The five now charged are Shaun Littler, 22, from Sheffield, Hollie Price, 25, from Prestatyn, Gemma Thomas, 18, from Rhyl, Paul Devine, 26, from Sheffield and Daniel Cardwell, 25, from Sheffield.
“All five have been charged by North Wales Police and bailed to appear before Prestatyn Magistrates’ Court on the 5th November.
“Reviews in respect of further suspects under investigation by North Wales Police are continuing.”
Background
Details of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 1992 can be found at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1992/34/contents
