Ched Evans: Footballer's rape conviction appeal date announced

The former Sheffield United striker and Welsh international was convicted in April 2012

Evans's case has been referred to the Court of Appeal in London by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (Getty Images)

Footballer Ched Evans's conviction for raping a 19-year-old woman is to be reviewed by leading judges on March 22.

His case has been referred to the Court of Appeal in London by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates possible miscarriages of justice.

The CCRC announced last October that new evidence had emerged in the case.

The former Sheffield United striker and Welsh international was convicted in April 2012.

He was found guilty at Caernarfon Crown Court of raping the woman at a hotel in Rhyl.

Evans was released from prison in 2014 after serving half of his five-year sentence.

Court of Appeal judges will now consider the safety of his conviction.

Press Association