Ex-Bradford Bulls Player Keven Appo Fleeing Charges of Rape and Assault
Keven Appo, a former Bradford Bulls rugby player, accused of rape and assault, fled to Papua New Guinea after being granted bail. An extradition process is underway to return him to the UK to face these serious charges, leading to his contract termination by the club.
Keven Appo, a former player for the Bradford Bulls, has been charged with serious criminal offenses, including rape, sexual assault, and two counts of assault. Following a court appearance where he was granted conditional bail on November 26, 2023, Mr. Appo evaded legal proceedings by boarding a flight from Manchester Airport to Dubai, ultimately making his way back to Papua New Guinea. Prosecutor Fiona Newcombe informed the court that an extradition process is currently in motion to ensure Mr. Appo faces the charges in the United Kingdom, where he was also slated to appear for a hearing. In light of these accusations, the Bradford Bulls terminated his contract, replacing him with Bayley Liu from the Sheffield Eagles. The authorities are collaborating with local law enforcement in Papua New Guinea to facilitate Mr. Appo’s extradition.
Keven Appo, aged 25, previously played for the Bradford Bulls, a professional rugby league team based in the UK. His recent legal troubles arose when he was charged with multiple offenses, prompting scrutiny not only of his actions but also of the processes in place for handling such serious accusations within professional sports. The flight to Papua New Guinea casts a shadow on extradition laws, raising concerns about international legal cooperation in cases of alleged serious crimes involving athletes.
The case of Keven Appo highlights pressing issues regarding accountability and legal responsibility for professional athletes accused of serious criminal activities. The swift action by authorities to initiate an extradition process underscores the commitment to ensuring that Mr. Appo faces justice in the UK. Furthermore, the actions taken by the Bradford Bulls to sever ties with him reflect the organization’s stance on maintaining integrity within their ranks amid allegations of misconduct.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
