Alex Hepburn to face retrial over rape charges

Ex-Worcestershire cricketer Alex Hepburn will face a retrial over charges of rape alleged to have been committed against a woman, who cannot be identified, in April 2017, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

A CPS spokeswoman said: "After careful consideration of the case against Alex Hepburn, including consultation with the complainant, we have decided to seek a retrial."

Australian-born Hepburn, 23, of Portland Street, Worcester, denies two counts of rape and will go on trial at Worcester Crown Court on April 8.

The jury in the initial trial was discharged after failing to reach verdicts.

The panel deliberated for more than nine hours before being discharged by Judge Jim Tindal following a five-day trial at Worcester Crown Court.

After the jury panel was discharged, prosecutors were granted a two-week period to decide whether to seek a retrial on the charges.