Ched Evans
Footballer Ched Evans won his appeal against his conviction for rape in April Getty Images

Footballer Ched Evans's retrial for rape will take place in October after winning an appeal against his conviction. The former Sheffield United star served two and a half years of a five-year sentence after being found guilty of raping a woman at a hotel near Rhyl, north Wales, in May 2011.

He pleaded not guilty to rape at Cardiff Crown Court and a new trial date was set for 4 October, which is expected to last for two weeks. His conviction was quashed in April after the case was transferred to the Court of Appeal after "new information" emerged which had not been raised at the original trial.

Evans has always maintained his innocence and issued a statement via YouTube in which he vowed to clear his name and even hoped to return to professional football.

In 2014, following his release from prison, Sheffield United allowed him to train at the club to help regain his fitness with an eye to eventually signing for a club, causing outrage among many. Evans has not played professional football since his release from prison.