Alex Hepburn handed 10-year ban by Cricket Discipline Commission
What's the story
Alex Hepburn, the former Worcestershire cricketer, has been handed a 10-year suspension from participating in England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) competitions. Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) imposed the ban, following his release from prison three years ago on a rape conviction. Earlier this year, Hepburn was charged with two violations of ECB Directives relating to his conviction in 2019 as well as involvement in an offensive WhatsApp group in 2017.
Unanswered charges
Hepburn failed to respond to charges
The Cricket Regulator formally charge Hepburn earlier this year, due to his incarceration. In a statement released today, the regulator revealed that "Mr Hepburn failed to respond to the Charge Letter and related communication." Consequently, the CDC Panel made the announcement in his absence. The statement also clarified that Hepburn has not appealed against the CDC Panel's ruling.
Suspension specifics
Details of Hepburn's suspension and future requirements
The CDC's ruling means that Hepburn's suspension from ECB competitions will last a decade, starting from October 30, 2021. The second charge resulted in a two-year ban, deemed served since it began on the same date. Before being allowed to participate in any cricket-related activity under ECB's jurisdiction, Hepburn must undergo 'appropriate professional treatment' for issues leading to his criminal conviction and complete relevant training and education courses.
Legal proceedings
Hepburn's criminal conviction and subsequent appeal
In April 2019, Hepburn was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of rape at Worcestershire Crown Court. The trial presented evidence from a WhatsApp chat involving other Worcestershire players, which contained misogynistic messages that the judge said "demeaned women and trivialized rape." Despite appealing against his conviction in September 2020, the appeal was dismissed. He has also been placed on the sex offenders register for life.