19/11/2003

Leeds United player bailed over rape charge

Premiership footballer Jody Morris has been released on bail today after appearing before magistrates in Leeds charged with the rape of a 20-year-old woman.

The Leeds United midfielder, from Wellington Street, Leeds, appeared in court to confirm his name, age and address for the court. A second man, Kristofer Dickie (26), from Skelwith Road, in Fulham, London, appeared alongside Mr Morris also charged with rape.

The pair have been charged in connection with an alleged rape in Leeds on October 6.

The trial date has been set for December 19 at Leeds Crown Court.

A third man, Jermaine Pennant, a 20-year-old midfielder on loan to Leeds United from Arsenal, has been arrested and bailed by police pending further inquiries.

Elsewhere, the Crown Prosecution service has said that it will not recommend that Leeds United and England striker Alan Smith be charged over an incident in which a plastic bottle was thrown into the match crowd.

Mr Smith immediately issued an apology for his actions during the game against Manchester United at Elland Road on October 28.

Alan Smith (23) was sent home from an England training camp last week ahead of their international with Denmark after it emerged that he had been questioned by police over the incident.

(gmcg)

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