The 13-cap footballer, who plays for League One Chesterfield, has arrived at Cardiff Crown Court for his trial
Footballer Ched Evans is due to stand trial today accused of rape.
The former Wales forward, who plays for League One side Chesterfield, is alleged to have raped a woman in May 2011.
The Denbighshire-born striker is due to appear at Cardiff Crown Court for a trial before Mrs Justice Nicola Davies with the hearing expected to last two weeks.
The former Manchester City and Sheffield United forward, who has made 13 appearances for Wales, denies the charge against him.
The 27-year-old entered a not guilty plea during a court hearing in May.
Evans has just been shown back into the dock. He’s talking to the security guard as we wait for the judge to come back into the courtroom.
Hearing appears to be reconvening
The judge didn’t say how long the adjournment would be. A few of the barristers are coming back into court now.
Prospective jurors due shortly
The potential jurors will arrive around midday so it is possible a jury will be empanelled before the lunch adjournment at 1pm.
Brief adjournment
There’s currently a short adjournment in proceedings and the judge has left the courtroom.
Prosecution opening may take place at 2pm
The scene in Court Five at Cardiff Crown Court
Court Five at Cardiff Crown Court is a medium-sized courtroom and is very full this morning.
Mrs Justice Davies sits at the front, at a large wooden desk, wearing red robes.
The court clerk sits directly in front of her, with an usher on her right.
When witnesses are called, they will give evidence from a witness box on the judge’s right.
The jury, which will be made up of 12 jurors, will sit on a bench on the judge’s left.
The press bench, which is full today with about 20 journalists covering the case, is on the judge’s right, behind the witness box.
Crown prosecutor Simon Medland QC and defence barrister Judith Khan QC sit on the front bench facing the judge.
Behind them are assisting proseutor John Philpotts and assisting defence barrister David Emanuel, plus solicitors.
Defendant Ched Evans sits right at the back of the courtroom in the dock with a security guard.
The barristers are still discussing legal points with the judge before a jury is selected.
Defendant wearing earphones in the dock
Evans is wearing earphones, which are given to defendants to help them hear clearly what is being said in court, as he sits in the dock.
Legal discussions ongoing
Prosecutor Simon Medland QC and defence barrister Judith Khan QC are now discussing some legal matters with Mrs Justice Nicola Davies.
Prosecution case expected to begin today
The judge has just confirmed that no witnesses will be called today but prosecutor Simon Medland QC is due to open the case later today.
Judge's reminder
Mrs Justice Davies has just reminded everyone in court that the complainant in the case has the automatic right to lifelong anonymity.
Footballer Evans now in the dock
Evans has just been shown into the dock, which is fronted by large glass panels.
Two microphones sit between the panels and one hangs down from the ceiling.
He is wearing a dark suit, white shirt and tie and is sitting with one security guard.
Mrs Justice Davies DBE has just come into the courtroom.
The usher has just confirmed representation.
The crown proseutor is Simon Medland QC, assisted by John Philpotts.
Evans is represented by Judith Khan QC, assisted by David Emanuel.
Legal staff arrive in court
Evans will appear in the large glass-fronted dock at the back of the courtroom.
The barristers are just walking into court now, holding a lot of books and folders.
The case will be prosecuted by John Philpotts QC.
Evans is represented by Kieran Vaughan QC.
The hearing is taking place in courtroom five, which has just been opened to the press and public.
The press bench is full with around 20 reporters covering the case, which is listed for 10.30am.
Ched Evans arrives at court
Ched Evans arrived hand in hand at court with his fiancee ahead of his rape trial.
The 27-year-old walked into Cardiff Crown Court with partner Natasha Massey and was photographed by a large number of photographers waiting outside.
see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/ched-evans-rape-trial-live-11974940
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