Ex-Bradford Bulls Player Keven Appo Fleeing Charges of Rape and Assault
Keven Appo, a former player for Bradford Bulls, has been charged with rape and assault but fled to Papua New Guinea after being released on bail. Extradition efforts are now underway to bring him back to the UK to face charges, following his sacking from the rugby club.
Keven Appo, a former rugby league player for the Bradford Bulls, has been charged with serious offenses including rape, sexual assault, and two counts of assault. Following his release on conditional bail on November 26, 2023, he reportedly fled to Papua New Guinea by boarding a flight to Dubai within hours of his release from Bradford Magistrates’ Court. Upon arrival in Papua New Guinea, the court learned from prosecutor Fiona Newcombe that extradition proceedings are in motion to bring Mr. Appo back to the United Kingdom to face these grave charges.
Mr. Appo, 25, was dismissed from his position at the Bradford Bulls upon the announcement of the charges against him. The club issued a statement confirming the cancellation of his playing contract and has since recruited Bayley Liu from the Sheffield Eagles to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Appo. Following the court hearing, where it was disclosed that Mr. Appo had entrusted his house and car keys to the rugby club’s manager, authorities are coordinating with local police in Papua New Guinea to facilitate his extradition for legal proceedings.
Keven Appo’s case highlights significant issues regarding athlete conduct and the responsibilities of professional sports organizations in handling allegations of misconduct. The quick departure of Mr. Appo after being granted bail raises concerns about accountability in the sports community, as well as the challenges faced in extraditing individuals accused of serious crimes. The involvement of international law enforcement in this case underscores the complexities of jurisdiction and legal processes that accompany such serious allegations.
The case of Keven Appo serves as a critical reminder of the responsibilities that come with professional athletics, as well as the need for sports organizations to actively address allegations of misconduct. As the extradition process unfolds, the focus will remain on ensuring that Mr. Appo faces the legal consequences of his alleged actions in the UK. The outcome of this case may have broader implications for player conduct standards in rugby and other sports.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
