Alex Hepburn: Former Worcestershire cricketer found guilty of raping sleeping woman

‘There is only one sentence that can properly be handed down in this case, and a custodial sentence is inevitable,’ judge warns

(PA)

Former Worcestershire cricketer Alex Hepburn has been found guilty of rape after attacking a sleeping woman as part of a sexual conquest “game”.

Jurors deliberated for 11 hours before returning the unanimous verdict on a count of oral rape on Friday.

Hepburn slumped into his seat and sobbed after the verdict was returned.

He was cleared of a second count of rape relating to the same victim during the retrial at Worcester Crown Court and will be sentenced at Hereford Crown Court on 30 April.

The 23-year-old had denied the two counts of rape relating to the alleged attack in the early hours of 1 April 2017 at his flat in Worcester.

During his evidence on Wednesday, Hepburn admitted he sent “disgusting, horrible and embarrassing” WhatsApp messages while setting the rules of the sexual conquest competition.

Bailing Hepburn following the verdicts, Judge Jim Tindal told him: “You have been convicted and now fall to be sentenced.

“I am adjourning your case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. But it would not be a kindness to you to leave you under any false impression as to the purpose of that report.

“There is only one sentence that can properly be handed down in this case, and a custodial sentence is inevitable.

“You need to prepare yourself and get matters in order and attend Hereford Crown Court on 30 April.”

The judge also said that his provisional view was that verdicts indicated that Hepburn’s belief in the woman’s consent had been unreasonable.

In a statement, Worcestershire County Cricket Club's chairman, Fanos Hira, said: “WCCC is appalled by the details that have been reported in this case.

“The WCCC board and CEO were first made aware of the arrest and subsequent charge of Mr Hepburn on 10 November 2017; WCCC then took immediate and decisive action.

“Our One Club values outline clear expectations of attitudes and behaviours for all staff at WCCC and everyone involved in Worcestershire cricket.

“WCCC continues to work alongside both the ECB and PCA focusing on education, welfare and development programmes for all staff within the game.”

Following the trial, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wall, of West Mercia Police, 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.

“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.”