Archived News from July 2007
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LAWRENCE ACCUSED OF RAPE
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Ex-Stags' star accused of rape
CHAD website, 10 July 2007 By Michael Johns FORMER Stags' winger Liam Lawrence has been released on police bail after he was arrested on suspicion of rape. Twenty-five-year-old Mr Lawrence –– who played for Mansfield Town between 1999-2004 –– and Tottenham goalkeeper Ben Alnwick have been questioned following allegations from a 18-year-old woman that she was attacked at a Sunderland property 18 months ago. It allegedly happened at a time when both were Sunderland players. Said a Northumbria Police spokesman: "Police are investigating an allegation of rape at an address in Sunderland in January 2006. "A 20-year-old man and a 25-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of rape and released on bail pending further enquiries." Lawrence –– who now plays for Stoke City –– notched up 40 goals during his 130 league and cup games with Stags and helped them to earn promotion from League Two in the 2001/02 season. Ex-Cats arrested in teen rape probe http://www.sunderlandecho.com, 10 July 2007 By Craig Thompson Two former Sunderland AFC players have been arrested as part of a rape investigation. Goalkeeper Ben Alnwick and ex-Black Cats' team mate Liam Lawrence were held after an 18-year-old alleged she was attacked at a house in the city. Alnwick, 20, and England Under-21 player and winger Lawrence, 25, were arrested and questioned in May before being released on bail. Northumbria Police today confirmed they had made arrests in relation to an alleged incident that took place more than 18 months ago. A spokesman added: "Police are investigating an allegation of rape at an address in Sunderland in January 2006. "A 20-year-old man and a 25-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of rape and have been released on police bail." Alnwick joined Spurs for £900,000 in January's transfer window and has made appearances for the London club's reserve team since leaving the Stadium of Light. He has been tipped as a significant international and Premiership prospect. Midfielder Lawrence left Sunderland last November to join Stoke City, initially on loan, but made the move permanent in January. He has played in several Republic of Ireland international squads but has yet to be capped by his country. The decision to transfer the players from the Stadium of Light is understood to have nothing to do with the allegation of rape. While at Sunderland, Alnwick played 22 games, including seven Premiership fixtures during the 2005/06 season– the same season the Black Cats were relegated. Both men are expected to return to police stations in the coming weeks to answer their bail. |
Latest | July 2007