Evans' girlfriend: 'Ched should be allowed back to work'

The girlfriend of former Sheffield United footballer, Ched Evans, says he should be allowed back to the club despite his conviction for rape in 2012.

The striker is due to be released from prison in the autumn after serving a sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman.

Girlfriend Natasha Massey, 24, told BBC Radio 5 live's Victoria Derbyshire that Evans was maintaining his innocence and "would love" to play for them again upon his release from prison.

However "Nicky," who signed a 60,000 strong petition to stop Evans returning to the club, said it would send out the message that convicted rapists could be forgiven for "a very, very serious crime".

Sheffield United refused to confirm or deny reports concerning Evans' future. They said they had a duty of care to former employees, and that articles on Ched Evans were "misleading and damaging".