Rugby star charged with rape posts home and automotive keys to membership then flees UK

A former Bradford Bulls star who has been charged with rape has posted his house and car keys to the club and fled the UK for Papua New Guinea

A Rugby League star charged with rape has posted his house keys to his club and fled the UK.

Keven Appo, 25, who had been charged with rape, sexual assault on a female and two counts of assault, failed to attend a hearing at Bradford Magistrates’ Court on Monday (January 6).

Fiona Newcombe of the Crown Prosecution Service told magistrates: “He has fled the country within five hours of being charged.” The court heard how Appo, who once played for Bradford Bulls, posted his house keys and car keys to the club before leaving the country.

Appo was charged and given conditional bail at 4pm on November 26, but he skipped bail and boarded a flight travelling from Manchester to Dubai that same day at 8:40pm. He then took a connecting flight to Papua New Guinea.

Ms Newcombe told the court there was evidence that Appo was making transactions that showed he had no intention of returning to the UK.

Magistrates issued a warrant without bail for his arrest.

A statement was made by West Yorkshire Police on Friday in relation to the Papua New Guinea international. The force said the 25-year-old, of Halifax, had been charged with rape, sexual assault on a female and two counts of assault.

And added: “The charges relate to an investigation by Calderdale District Adult Protection Team following a report made in April 2024.”

Bradford Bulls also issued a statement: “Following today’s West Yorkshire Police statement, the Bradford Bulls have cancelled Keven Appo’s playing contract. Given the circumstances, the club is duty bound to make no further comment at this stage.”

The club added: “The search for a suitable, quality replacement is underway.”