Ex-Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Darlington footballer charged with rape
William Kokolo, 22, appeared in court on Tuesday (30th August)
A League One footballer has been charged with three counts of rape alleged to have been committed in February.
Burton Albion defender William Kokolo, aged 22, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and was granted unconditional bail until a Crown Court hearing in late September.
All three offences are alleged to have been committed in the Birmingham area on the same day.
French-born Kokolo, who signed for Burton from Middlesbrough in January, has yet to enter a formal plea to the charges.
A statement released by Kokolo's club said:
"Burton Albion is fully aware of the charges that have been made against one of our players and the club has spoken to the player and his legal representatives.
"As this is an ongoing legal process, the club is unable to make any further comment until legal proceedings are concluded."
Hear all the latest news from across the North East on the hour, every hour, on 97.1FM, 103FM DAB, at metroradio.co.uk, and on the Metro Radio app.