Cricketer Ben Stokes says 'Hi Judge' before denying affray charge

Stokes: The cricketer appeared in court via videolink
Jeremy Selwyn
Chloe Chaplain12 March 2018
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England cricketer Ben Stokes has pleaded not guilty to a charge of affray as he appeared in court via video link from New Zealand.

Stokes, 26, wearing a grey shirt, addressed the camera saying "hi judge" as he was introduced to Judge Peter Blair QC via the link.

Stokes and two other men are charged in connection with an alleged fight outside a nightclub in Bristol, which is said to have occurred several hours after England played a one-day international against the West Indies.

A 27-year-old man allegedly suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident, at which fellow England cricketer Alex Hales was also present.

England's Ben Stokes appeared via videolink from New Zealand where he has been playing
AP

All-rounder Stokes and two other defendants, Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, face charges that their "conduct was such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety".

All three denied the charge during the 15-minute hearing at Bristol Crown Court. Ali and Hale appeared in person at the court.

Stokes spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality and said "thank you" when the hearing concluded.

Judge Blair set a date of August 6 for the trial, which is expected to last between five and seven days.

"You must be here without fail for that trial," the judge told Stokes, Ali and Hale. "You will remain on bail as before."

The judge ordered the three defendants to provide defence statements by May 22 and said the court room in which the trial takes place must have CCTV playing facilities.

Stokes missed the Ashes after being suspended from playing for England. Without him, England lost the Ashes to Australia 4-0.

Stokes: The sportsman pleaded not guilty
Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images

England declared Stokes available once more only after he pleaded not guilty at Bristol Magistrates Court in February.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that he would travel to New Zealand to join the squad after the court hearing.

Stokes, of Castle Eden, Durham, Ali, of Forest Road, Bristol, and Hale, of Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, will stand trial on August 6.

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