Worcestershire cricketer Alex Hepburn, 23, stands trial accused of raping a woman 

Cricketer Alex Hepburn has been pictured arriving at court as he goes on trial accused of raping a woman.

The all-rounder is accused of offences said to have taken place in Worcester in April 2017.

Today he arrived at Worcester Crown Court after pleading not guilty to two counts of rape in January last year.

Mr Hepburn was suspended on full pay by Worcestershire County Cricket Club in November 2017 following the charges, having just signed a new contract in October.  

After he pleaded not guilty at a hearing in January last year, he was released on unconditional bail. 

Setting a trial date, Judge Nicolas Cartwright said at the time: ‘Alex Hepburn, you’ve heard the deadline I have said and the trial date is fixed for January 7 2019, here at Worcester, unless you’re told in the meantime by any of the solicitors it’s going to be moved to Hereford.

The all-rounder (pictured in action for Worcestershire County Cricket Club) has arrived for the first day of his rape trial 

Mr Hepburn (pictured arriving at Worcestershire Crown Court today) denied two counts of rape at a hearing in January last year

‘If it is at Worcester, I’ll observe a large jury panel is required to make sure the jurors trying the case aren’t familiar with your professional persona.

‘If you fail to turn up for trial whenever it is listed you may be tried in your absence. I am remanding you on bail on the same terms as before.’

Mr Hepburn, from Malvern, came to the UK to gain professional cricket experience with county side Worcestershire CCC. 

He managed to break into the side for the final five T20 Blast competition matches, securing the county’s best T20 bowling performance with 5-24 against Nottinghamshire. 

The trial, which is expected to last seven days, continues.