Burton Albion defender Williams Kokolo cleared of rape charges

Williams Kokolo was cleared of three counts of rape relating to one woman

A footballer has been cleared of three counts of rape.

Burton Albion defender Williams Kokolo, who had denied the charges, "had always maintained his innocence", the club said.

The 23-year-old French national, who joined Albion in January 2022, faced accusations involving one woman, in the Birmingham area, in February 2022.

But at a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court, Mr Kokolo was found not guilty of all three charges.

After the verdicts were returned, trial judge Mr Justice Wall told the jury: "Rape trials are serious and they are difficult. You have to assess the evidence of two people.

"If I may say so, you obviously concentrated very hard on this case and deliberated properly about it."

Club chairman Ben Robinson said: "We are delighted that the jury was able to make a very quick decision and to clear Williams on all charges.

"This court case has put a great strain on the young man for the last year but he was determined to clear his name and he can now hopefully put this behind him and resume his football career."

The club had "fully supported him" throughout the process, Mr Robinson added.

The Crown Prosecution Service said its decision to prosecute was made in accordance with its guidelines.

"He was acquitted of all charges and we respect the jury's decision," a spokesperson said.

Mr Kokolo was signed from Middlesbrough in January 2022 on a permanent deal.