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Police speak to Sky News over Ched Evans rape tweet

By PA Mediapoint

Police have met staff at Sky News after the broadcaster published the name of the teenager raped by Sheffield United footballer Ched Evans.

Officers from North Wales Police conducted a formal interview with staff in London as part of their continuing investigation.

The case will be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service and the Attorney General’s office.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Williams, of North Wales police, confirmed that Sky News has fully co-operated with the investigation.

Sheffield United and Wales 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.

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Sky News reportedly broadcast the name by accident in an image taken from Twitter.

Four men from the Sheffield area were arrested on May 9 in connection with the alleged naming on Twitter of the victim.

One was arrested on suspicion of malicious communication, another on suspicion of malicious communication and under Section 5 of the Sexual Offences Amendments Act.

The other two were arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Seventeen arrests have been made throughout North Wales and South Yorkshire during the investigation.

North Wales Police previously described the alleged online comments as “profoundly disturbing” and said they contributed to the victim’s “continued trauma”.

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

The force said it was reminding people that anyone who publishes a victim’s identity will be subject to investigation and possible criminal proceedings.

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