A CRICKETER has been found guilty of one count of raping a woman in a teammate’s bed, following a retrial.

Jurors were unanimous in their guilty verdict of one count of rape against ex-county cricket all-rounder Alex Hepburn, but not another, at Worcester Crown Court today.

Having deliberated for 10 hours and 53 minutes, the jury found the 23-year-old guilty of oral rape.

They then continued deliberations before finding him not guilty of vaginal rape.

Hepburn wept in the dock and covered his face with his hands as the first verdict was delivered.

He will be sentenced on April 30 at Hereford Crown Court and was told a jail sentence is inevitable.

He was granted bail on condition he co-operates with probation in the preparation of the pre-sentence report and resides at his current address and surrender his passport within 24 hours.

Hepburn had denied the two counts of rape alleged to have taken place in the early hours of April 1, 2017, at his flat in Portland Street, Worcester.

Prosecutors allege Hepburn began to rape the woman while she was asleep after getting into her bed.

She had earlier had consensual sex on the same mattress with his Hepburn's teammate Joe Clarke.

The complainant, who cannot be identified, told the court she was left shocked and distressed after opening her eyes and realising she was having sex with Hepburn and not Clarke, who was asleep elsewhere in the flat having gone to a bathroom to be sick.

The original jury failed to reach a verdict on either count during a trial in January.

Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wall said: "We welcome the conviction and I hope it will offer some comfort to the victim, who has shown great courage and strength in coming forward in reporting this to us, throughout the investigation and in giving evidence in court.

"At the time of the offence Hepburn was in a position of trust and power as a professional sportsman for local team Worcestershire County Cricket Club and I hope this conviction will provide reassurance to other victims of sexual offences, giving them the confidence that they will be believed and listened to by specially trained officers and that we will do everything to bring offenders to justice." 

"If you are a victim of a sexual offence you can report it to police on 101. In an emergency dial 999."

If you do not feel comfortable speaking to officers you can contact a referral centre which specialises in helping victims of rape and sexual assault - including providing medical care and counselling.

For information and details on how to contact or refer please visit the Get Help page of the Stop Rape Now website stoprapenow.co.uk

Anyone who is a victim of any sexual assault who feels they may need support, or may not want to contact the police West Mercia's Victim Advice Line is a free, independent and confidential support service. People can call 0800 952 3000 or visit www.victimadviceline.org.uk