Footballer accused of raping and imprisoning lady in intercourse assault attends court docket

A footballer has been charged with a number of sexual offences, including rape, after allegedly imprisoning and sexually assaulting a woman.

Harry Butters, 24, who plays for Darlington U23s, has been suspended by the club pending the outcome of proceedings after he was accused of imprisoning and sexually assaulting the woman.

“The player is suspended until further notice,” a statement from the National League North side read.

Butters appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday for a hearing. He was released on conditional bail to appear at Teesside Crown Court next month.

As part of his bail conditions, Butters is subject to an electronically monitored tagged curfew, between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

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The offences are alleged to have taken place in March in the Darlington area, with the footballer, of Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, arrested on Sunday.

Butters, who plays in the midfield, has made 21 appearances for Darlington U21s this season – including their 5-0 win over Crook Town Youth on March 1.

Darlington’s senior team play in the National League North, the sixth tier of English football. And they are currently 12th in the table.