Aussie cricketer Alex Hepburn to face retrial over rape claims after failed verdicts

Australian-born cricketer Alex Hepburn will face a retrial over rape claims after a jury failed to reach verdicts earlier this month.

UK prosecutors accused the former Worcestershire cricketer of assaulting a woman after she had consensual sex with his ex-team-mate Joe Clarke in April 2017.

The alleged victim said she woke to find the 23-year-old raping her.

Hepburn denied two counts of rape, claiming the alleged victim was awake and initial kissing had led to the consensual sexual contact after a night out.

After deliberating for more than nine hours after a five-day trial, the jurors - eight women and four men – told the judge they were unlikely to agree on verdicts.

The judge ordered a majority direction, but the panel were still unable reach a verdict.

After consulting on the decision for almost two weeks, the Crown Prosecution Service opted for a retrial.

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

Mr Hepburn has been released on bail. The retrial will take place at Worcester Crown Court on 8 April.