UK police seek ‘charging advice’ over Ben Stokes brawl that left man with broken eye socket

BEN Stokes’ Ashes hopes hang by a thread as cops reveal they are seeking ‘charging advice’ from prosecutors over the street brawl which it now emerges left a man with a broken eye socket.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes at Christchurch airport on Wednesday.

BRITISH police have confirmed that Ben Stokes left another man with a broken eye socket in their Bristol nightclub altercation on September 25, and have put their file together for charging advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.

A statement went out from Bristol police overnight updating on the Stokes case, and it appears as though the England cricketer is in the process of being charged.

The news could have severe implications on Stokes’ hopes to play in the Ashes tour and on his bid to play in New Zealand provincial cricket for Canterbury.

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England’s Cricket Board have said they would convene within 48 hours of police making their final call before convening for their own independent disciplinary hearing.

It’s unknown how long it would the Crown Prosecution Service to provide their charging advice.

“We’re now in a position to provide an update on our investigation into a disorder in Bristol which happened during the early hours of Monday, 25 September,” read the statement.

“A 27-year-old man suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident on Queens Road, Clifton.

“A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and was later released under investigation.

“Three other men, aged 26, 27 and 28 have all voluntarily attended police stations for interview.

“Today (29/11), we have passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service and are now seeking charging advice.”

Ben Stokes arrives at Christchurch Airport.

Stokes gets a hug and kiss from his mum Barbara on his arrival in Christchurch.

Canterbury cricket held a board meeting yesterday afternoon to discuss whether they would allow Stokes to play for them, starting with a match on Sunday.

It’s understood the board was sympathetic to allowing Stokes to play, however it’s unknown if news charging advice has been provided would affect that situation.

Canterbury were due to put out a statement today.

There has been speculation out of England that Stokes could continue to play, even if charged, because he is unlikely to have his day in court until next year.

However, it’s possible a disciplinary committee could take a dim view of charges being laid.

Canterbury has recently had a player, Ken McClure stand himself down after pleading guilty to an assault.

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