A rugby league athlete facing charges of rape, sexual assault, and two counts of assault has escaped to his native Papua New Guinea.
Keven Appo, 25, formerly of Bradford Bulls, was granted conditional bail at 16:00 GMT on 26 November, as reported by Bradford Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
By 20:40 GMT that evening, Mr. Appo had taken a flight to Dubai from Manchester Airport and later reached Papua New Guinea through a connecting flight.
Prosecutor Fiona Newcombe informed the court that an extradition procedure is currently in progress to bring Mr. Appo back to the United Kingdom to confront the allegations lodged against him.
Mr. Appo was scheduled to attend a court hearing on Monday morning.
Ms. Newcombe informed the court that he had provided the manager of the rugby club with his house and car keys.
She mentioned that officials would collaborate with the police in Papua New Guinea to extradite him.
Mr. Appo from Halifax was dismissed by Bradford Bulls following the charges brought against him.
In a statement, the club had earlier declared that it had “terminated Keven Appo’s playing contract.”
Mr. Appo, an international player from Papua New Guinea, participated in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup that took place in England.
He became a forward for the Bulls in 2023, later signing a new two-year contract in August of the previous year.
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