Ex Hull FC Gareth Raynor Cleared Of Rape

Former Hull FC player Gareth Raynor's been found not guilty of rape and a separate charge of wounding. A jury at Hull crown court cleared the 36 year old rugby league star of attacking a woman at a New Year's party in 2006. He was also cleared of injuring the same woman with a knife in April 2000.

Speaking on the steps of the court with his partner Jade Sharlotte he said: “I am relieved, but I always knew I was innocent.

"The legal system has worked, but that does not stop you worrying.

"The jury saw through the lies told about me.

“The people I feel sorry for, in this case are the genuine victims of rape.

"They will see this not guilty verdict and it will put them off reporting what are genuine rapes. That should not happen.”

His barrister Felicity Gerry said the woman was feisty and malicious and could not get the date of the alleged rape correct.

The adopted miner’s son who lifted the Challenge Cup with Hull FC in 2005 hugged the mother of his two children Jade Sharlotte as he thanked his barrister.

He said he was now hoping to find work in rugby once again. “No one would touch me with a rape allegation hanging over my head. I have a successful business, but I still want to play ruby. Probably not in Super League, although I could, at another club. I want to put something back into the sport.”

The court heard Raynor went from rags to riches.

He worked as a postman and at Morrisons supermarket before gain his first super league contract with Hull FC.

He became a star for GB team winning six caps.