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May 2, 2012updated 14 Sep 2012 3:42pm

Nine bailed over naming rape victim on Twitter

By PA Mediapoint

Nine people have been bailed in connection with the naming on Twitter of the victim in footballer Ched Evans' rape case, police said today.

Five men and four women from Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire were bailed until July.

They were arrested yesterday on suspicion of malicious communication or under Section 5 of the Sexual Offences Amendments Act, or on suspicion of both offences.

North Wales Police said their investigation was continuing and further arrests were expected.

Three men from the Sheffield area were arrested and released on bail last week.

Sheffield United striker Evans was jailed for five years at Caernarfon Crown Court on April 20 for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room.

He denied the allegation and plans to appeal against the verdict.

Following the conclusion of the trial, the victim of the rape was allegedly named and subjected to abuse on Twitter and other websites.

North Wales Police described the online comments as "profoundly disturbing" and said they contributed to the young woman's "continued trauma".

Rape and other sexual offence victims are guaranteed the legal right to lifetime anonymity.

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