A RUGBY League participant has fled the UK after being charged with rape and a string of intercourse offences towards a girl.
Keven Appo was as a consequence of seem at Bradford Magistrates’ Courtroom right this moment however has returned to his native Papua New Guinea.
An extradition course of is now underway to return the Bradford Bulls participant, whose contract has been terminated, to Britain.
The courtroom heard Appo, 25, was granted conditional bail on November 26 following the cost however left the nation just below 5 hours later.
He allegedly first boarded a flight from Manchester to Dubai earlier than travelling to Papua New Guinea.
UK authorities at the moment are working with police within the nation to carry Appo again to face courtroom, JPs heard.
The ahead has been charged with rape, sexual assault and two counts of assault towards a girl.
Appo performs internationally for Papua New Guinea and represented the group within the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.
He additionally made 61 appearances for the Bradford Bulls after becoming a member of the Rugby League membership two years in the past.
He signed a brand new two-year deal in August however this has since been ripped up.
The Bulls mentioned : “Following right this moment’s West Yorkshire Police assertion, the Bradford Bulls have cancelled Keven Appo’s enjoying contract.
“Given the circumstances, the membership is obligation certain to make no additional remark at this stage.
“The seek for an acceptable, high quality alternative is underway.”
West Yorkshire Police confirmed Appo was charged following an investigation by Calderdale District Grownup Safety Group over a report made in April 2024.